Rationale

Specimens tested using FPA are covered with high-absorptivity and high-temperature-rated coating to ensure substantial absorption of heat flux from heaters. The standard currently recommends a single black paint coating for this purpose. Over the years, users have requested the evaluation of more coating options and recommendations for the one most suitable for FPA testing applications. A comprehensive research study was recently completed, and the results were presented at the 16th Interflam Conference—title noted in reference (XX) below. For the purposes of this research, the effectiveness of ten different types of surface coatings was evaluated. The coatings were first screened for their spectral absorptivity, thermal conductivity, and high-temperature stability. The screened coatings with desirable properties were tested in FPA using six different types of specimen materials as substrates. Based on this comprehensive research, two coating options are recommended – a powdered activated charcoal coating and a vegetable-oil soot-based Sumi ink (paint) coating are recommended for FPA testing applications. Updates are in Sections 4 and 8. Furthermore, reference (XX) below should be included in the bibliography.