Is there a chemical that can be applied (spraid, brushed, adhere) to a steel surface to decrease the heat conductive properties of the metal (so it doesn't heat up as quickly)?Thanks in advance!
There is, but I don't know what it is made out of. It is probably some fireproof, foam material which acts like insulation. I doubt it is designed to resist abrasion however. Most things which adhere to metal surfaces are not flameproof, and those which do resist fire are not good insulators. For example, the ceramic coating of appliances like stoves and washing machines adhere very well and are fire resistant, but do not insulate. It was the failure of the steel insulation which caused the collapse of the world trade centers. The impact of the airplane tore away all the insulation on the supporting struts of the building and then the fire caused the steel to soften and break. Steel was once insulated by wrapping it in asbestos cloth and then applying plaster over this to form a shell. It did not actually adhere to the steel but it did insulate it, and was fireproof. However asbestos is a cancer hazard and a lot of old buildings are being stripped of their asbestos as a safety precaution. The asbestos can be replaced with fiberglass which is usually duct taped together.
