| Keronite technology transforms the surface of light alloys into a hard but compliant ceramic with outstanding resistance to corrosion and wear. The Keronite layer is atomically bonded to the substrate alloy and yet has all the thermal barrier properties of ceramic. Keronite also provides an ideal key for scratch-resistant A-class paint finishes, for adhesive bonding or for composites such as PTFE. Unlike some systems, the Keronite process is safe to operate, uses no chrome or other toxic chemicals and generates no hazardous waste. |
There is increasing legislative pressure to reduce or even maintain the mass of cars, and the use of lightweight alloys such as magnesium and aluminium is attractive. We work with the major players in the industry who would like to increase the use of these metals but find there are limitations, as a result of their physical properties such as low hardness, chemical reactivity or low melting point. Keronite has some amazing qualities which have given our customers the ability to overcome such difficulties and we would like to share with you how this is done.
Keronite can give high surface hardness (up to 2000 HV) but at the same time is flexible enough to withstand thermal and other cyclical strains without breaking or delaminating. It gives good corrosion protection but at the same time has fine-scale porosity that provides excellent adhesion for almost any type of paint or topcoat. It provides high friction for braking and transmission surfaces and also low friction (down to 0.04 µ) for sliding and rotating parts. In fact, it is wrong to think of Keronite as a single product. It is a family of coatings that can be optimised for the particular job required. These are the properties that make Keronite the surface treatment of choice for a growing number of automotive engineers.
With this in mind, Keronite works with its automotive customers in a variety of ways:
- providing job-shop coating services either at one of our own facilities or through our partners,
- implementing consultancy and development projects for those wishing to investigate the use of light alloys through the use of Keronite
- leasing Keronite equipment,
- working with our partners, such as Meridian and Timminco, to offer complete parts coated with Keronite.
Almost every week we are excited - but no longer surprised - to hear about a new application for Keronite that we hadn’t already considered. Whether you are a large car producer wishing to introduce a magnesium fuel filler flap or a one-man race team requesting piston crowns coated with Keronite, we welcome you. |
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Move your cursor over the car to see examples of components that are being treated using Keronite.
You can see from the graphic on this page some of the areas where Keronite is being successfully applied or under investigation. The majority of applications fall into three main categories:
1. corrosion protection of magnesium body and engine parts,
2. wear resistance of aluminium moving parts in the engine and chassis,
3. wear resistance of aluminium tooling, along with some applications for thermal barrier, electrical isolation and a growing interest in wear resistance of magnesium moving parts. |
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