A copper foil .001″ thick (0,025 mm) is coated with Laser Gold for the ultimate thermal control barrier.
The auto race car market has driven the need to protect carbon fiber components from the blistering heat generated by the engine and exhaust system.
While many of the carbon fiber parts are Laser Gold coated by directly plating the plastic substrate, the requirement to have a ductile, flexible “wrapping” material drove the development of the Laser Gold coated copper.
The foil is applied on site using a 3M spray adhesive.
Although happy with the remarkable performance of the copper foil, the Formula 1 teams are continuously seeking lighter and lighter materials. To satisfy that need Epner Technology is developing a Laser Gold coated high temperature Kapton foil, less than half the weight of the copper.
Summary Report, Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Epner Laser Gold Foil as a Radiant Heat Barrier Compared to a Competitor’s Foil’s Performance For Automotive Applications
Jack M. Kleinfeld, P.E.
November 28, 2003
Abridged version, December 4, 2003
Laser Gold Thermal Foil wrapped bumper liner protecting a Porsche Carrera’s (not this car) outer plastic bumper from exhaust heat.
Smaller heat shields covered with Laser Gold Thermal Foil a direct utilization of this renowned coating’s remarkably low emissivity as proven on countless space craft and optical systems.
Laser Gold thermal foil protecting the carbon-fiber composite bulk-head from the blistering heat of the adjacent exhaust manifold.
