NEWS
Cerakote® Passes Aerospace Heat Release Test With Flying Colors
August 27, 2026
Why Heat Release Testing Matters for Aerospace Coatings
When selecting a coating for aerospace applications, corrosion resistance and durability are only part of the equation. Every material used on an aircraft must also meet stringent fire safety requirements designed to minimize the spread and intensity of a fire.
One of the most important evaluations is the Heat Release Test, conducted in accordance with 14 CFR 25.853(d), Amendment 25-116, Appendix F, Part IV.
Unlike a simple flammability test that determines whether a material will ignite, the Heat Release Test measures how much energy a material contributes to a fire after ignition. The less heat a material releases, the less it contributes to fire growth, helping improve overall aircraft safety.
For aerospace manufacturers, this testing is significant because materials that exhibit low heat release characteristics can help support compliance with FAA flammability requirements for aircraft interiors and other critical components. While every application must be evaluated as part of its final assembly, coatings that successfully meet these standards provide engineers with greater confidence during material selection.
Cerakote® H and F Series coatings were independently evaluated by Aeroblaze Laboratory, an aerospace flammability testing laboratory, and successfully passed the Federal Heat Release Standard. The accompanying test reports demonstrate the measured performance of each coating tested. All coating passed the Federal standard. To see the actual tests results: click here.
As aerospace platforms continue to demand lightweight materials without compromising safety, protective coatings must do more than resist corrosion and wear. They must also demonstrate that they do not significantly contribute to fire growth under regulated test conditions.
Independent testing provides aerospace manufacturers, OEMs, and engineers with objective performance data that supports informed material selection for demanding applications where durability, performance, and regulatory compliance all matter.
At Cerakote, we're committed to validating our coatings through recognized third-party testing, ensuring our customers have the data they need to specify coatings with confidence.
For more information, feel free to reach out to us at 866-774-7628 or email us at info@cerakote.com .