Elastomer VS Ceramics

Ceramic coatings have some disadvantages that make them unsuitable for various applications. The solid fractions of ceramics are composed mainly of quartz, making them relatively hard and stiff. This property makes ceramics brittle and susceptible to micro-cracking, making them unsuitable for applications that require flexibility. Additionally, ceramics have a low ability to absorb impacts, which makes them prone to breaking and cracking when subjected to stress. Moreover, ceramics lack the self-healing capability of elastomers, and when they experience stress, they tend to crack and propagate until the material fails.

In contrast, elastomers are much better than ceramics due to their unique properties. Elastomers have a high capacity for self-healing and can recover their original shape after reaching their softening point. This property makes them highly resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for applications that require durability. Furthermore, elastomers are inherently flexible, which makes them highly suitable for applications that require materials to bend and stretch without breaking. Elastomers have a much greater thickness compared to ceramics and can withstand a wide range of temperatures without cracking or breaking.

If you look at this phenomenon at the microscopic level, it turns out that approximately a quarter-micron layer of quartz bends along with the clear coat layer at the furthest, and it is the paint itself that shows little flexibility/self-leveling. In the case of elastomer, with similar material consumption, we have 1 to 2 microns (correct – micrometers) and much greater thickness and, above all, a real self-healing capacity.

In conclusion, ceramic coatings have several disadvantages that make them unsuitable for various applications. Elastomers are much better than ceramics because they are highly flexible and have a high capacity for self-healing. Elastomers are durable and highly resistant to wear and tear making them ideal for a wide range of applications. It is essential to understand the unique properties of these materials to choose the right option for a particular application. Therefore, when it comes to choosing between ceramics and elastomers, elastomers are the clear winner.