08 Mar Zircotec’s advanced coating technology drives success in APC-18 project
MIA Member Zircotec has shared the following press release.
Zircotec’s advanced coating technology drives success in APC-18 project and spawns other clean mobility solutions
Zircotec, the UK company that has owned the science of heat management for three decades, today announced the successful completion of its work towards the delivery of the APC-18 hydrogen combustion engine project where it developed advanced internal engine coatings to mitigate the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.
Zircotec’s groundbreaking work not only enhances the feasibility of using hydrogen as a zero-emission fuel for commercial vehicle combustion engines, but has also spurred further innovation in the formulation of new coatings that are specifically suited to applications on electric vehicles.
As a consortium supplier to the Innovate UK-funded APC-18 project, administered by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), Zircotec used its material science expertise to develop specialist internal engine coatings to combat the negative effect hydrogen can have on some metals.
Working alongside ‘Project Brunel’ partners Johnson Matthey, PHINIA, and consortium lead Cummins, Zircotec successfully developed and tested hydrogen barrier coatings that are now market ready.
“We’re delighted to have played an important role in the successful delivery of APC-18, with our coatings enabling the safe use of high-risk materials for combustion engine internals,” Zircotec Engineering Director, Dominic Graham, said. “The research and development process yielded valuable insights and technologies that have underlined our position at the forefront of material science for future mobility solutions.”
The project has significantly enhanced Zircotec’s technical capabilities, particularly in materials testing and analysis. In the three years that APC-18 has been underway, the company has established a new research laboratory called ‘Z Lab’ where it can conduct material sectioning and analysis, environmental testing, and simulations. It has also established a new test rig to test for hydrogen permeation in association with Cranfield University.
These advancements have helped to elevate the engineering status of the Abingdon-based company, allowing it to tackle more complex challenges and contribute to other cutting-edge projects – both now and in the future.
“Being part of the consortium has provided us with invaluable industry connections and access to high-tech resources and expert guidance that will support our mission to leverage our advanced coating technologies to address other heat and material challenges in sustainable transportation.”
A significant outcome of Zircotec’s APC-18 involvement has been using its learnings to support the development of innovative coatings for another APC-facilitated project called CeraBEV (Ceramics for Battery Electric Vehicles).
“The spillover benefits from our hydrogen coating research have been tremendous,” Zircotec CEO Terry Graham said. “We’ve taken the knowledge gained from APC-18 and applied it to the EV sector through our lead status on the CeraBEV project which addresses critical thermal and electrical challenges in battery systems, helping to improve efficiency, safety, and performance.”
The new facilities put in place at Zircotec’s Abingdon headquarters and expertise gained through the APC-18 project have already been utilized numerous times for other R&D work, enabling Zircotec to expand its product portfolio and service offerings to meet the evolving needs of the transportation industry.
“This is a perfect example of how collaborative R&D funding can yield benefits beyond the original project scope,” Terry Graham explained. “Our participation in APC-18 has not only contributed to the advancement of hydrogen engine technology but has also positioned us as a key emerging player in the electric vehicle supply chain.”
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