Skip to main content
Calcimator

Thermal Barrier Coating Calculator

Convert Krebs Units (KU) to centipoise (cP), calculate Hegman grind particle size, and estimate dry film density from PVC and component densities.

Inputs

%

Results

Viscosity (cP)

47,406

Particle size (µm)

25

Viscosity (Pa·s)47.41
Passes spec (1=yes)1
Dry film density (g/cm³)1.76
Opacity index100
Spec Min CP26,284.62
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the Krebs-Stormer viscosity reading (KU) and the specification minimum (KU) to check.
  2. Enter the Hegman grind gauge reading (0 = coarsest, 8 = finest) for dispersion fineness.
  3. Enter PVC (%) along with pigment density and binder density (g/cm³) for the film.
  4. Read viscosity in centipoise and Pa·s, and whether the KU reading passes the spec minimum.
  5. Read the estimated particle size (µm) from the Hegman reading, plus dry film density and opacity index.

How the result changes with Viscosity (KU)

Viscosity (KU)Viscosity (cP)Particle size (µm)
504,37325
7515,08325
10694,36825
131526,63025

What each input means

Viscosity (KU)
Krebs-Stormer viscometer reading in Krebs Units. Architectural paints: 85–110 KU.
Spec minimum (KU)
Minimum acceptable KU from product specification.
Hegman grind gauge
Fineness of grind reading (0 = coarsest, 8 = finest). Automotive: 7+, primers: 4+.
PVC (%)
Pigment Volume Concentration. Gloss paints: 15–25%, flat: 40–55%.
Pigment density (g/cm³)
Density of primary pigment. TiO₂: 4.1, iron oxide: 5.1, calcium carbonate: 2.7.
Binder density (g/cm³)
Density of cured binder/resin. Acrylic: 1.05–1.2, alkyd: 1.0–1.1, epoxy: 1.1–1.3.

What each result means

Viscosity (cP)
Brookfield-equivalent viscosity in centipoise converted from Krebs Units.
Viscosity (Pa·s)
SI viscosity unit (1 Pa·s = 1000 cP).
Passes spec (1=yes)
Whether KU reading meets specification minimum.
Particle size (µm)
Maximum particle size from Hegman reading: (8 − Hegman) × 12.5 µm.
Dry film density (g/cm³)
Calculated from PVC, pigment density, and binder density.
Opacity index
Relative hiding power (100 = TiO₂ at 22% PVC baseline).

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Viscosity (KU) = 95, Spec minimum (KU) = 85, Hegman grind gauge = 6, PVC (%) = 22 = 6 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Viscosity
    Viscosity = pow(10, log10cP)
    47406 = 47406
  3. Calculate Particle size
    Particle size = (8 - hegmanGrind) * 12.5
    25 = 25
  4. Calculate Viscosity
    Viscosity = centipoise / 1000
    47.406 = 47.406
  5. Calculate Passes spec
    Passes spec
    1 = 1

Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.

Related Calculators

The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.

Paint & Coatings Industry

Automotive Paint Calculator

Calculate PVC (pigment volume concentration) and paint quantity for automotive panels from area, DFT, volume solids, and spray transfer efficiency.

Paint & Coatings Industry

Intumescent Coating Calculator

Calculate intumescent fire protection coating DFT and quantity from steel section factor, fire rating, and critical temperature.

Paint & Coatings Industry

Anti-Fouling Paint Calculator

Calculate antifouling paint quantity from hull surface area, target DFT, volume solids, and application method.

Unit Conversion Expanded

Viscosity Converter

Dynamic viscosity: cP, cSt (needs fluid density), approximate Saybolt Universal seconds, and rough Engler degrees. Correlations are approximate.

More in Manufacturing, Industrial & Coatings.