1. What Are Newtonian Fluids?

Named after Sir Isaac Newton, Newtonian fluids have a constant viscosity regardless of the shear force applied to them. Their viscosity has a linear, predictable relationship with shear stress — apply more force, and the fluid's resistance stays the same.

This is the category where virtually every conventional motor oil, synthetic oil, and lubricant on the market falls. They're engineered to maintain stable viscosity across a temperature range (that's what the "multi-weight" designation like 5W-30 means), but under extreme shear stress and heat, they thin out. The protection you get at idle is the most protection you'll ever get — it only goes down from there.

2. What Are Non-Newtonian Fluids?

Non-Newtonian fluids change viscosity when subjected to shear force. This category includes four distinct types, each with unique behavior that has real-world applications in engineering, manufacturing, and — in Cerma's case — engine protection.

3. Why This Matters for Your Engine

Understanding fluid types isn't just academic — it directly impacts how well your engine is protected during the moments that matter most.

Consider what happens inside your engine during hard acceleration, towing a trailer up a hill, or sustained high-RPM driving:

With conventional oil (Newtonian): The oil film between metal surfaces stays the same thickness or — under extreme heat — actually thins out. Bearing surfaces, piston rings, cam lobes, and cylinder walls receive less protection during the hardest work. This is the fundamental weakness of every conventional lubricant on the market.

With Cerma (non-Newtonian dilatant): The protective film thickens under stress. When your engine is working hardest — highway merging, towing, climbing grades, high-RPM operation — Cerma's Nano Silicon Carbide technology responds by creating a denser, more resistant barrier between metal surfaces. More stress equals more protection.

This isn't a subtle difference — it's a fundamental shift in how engine protection works. Every other oil and additive company is working within the Newtonian framework, trying to slow down the rate at which their products lose protection. Cerma's dilatant technology inverts that relationship entirely.

4. The Cerma Difference: Dilatant Protection with Nano Silicon Carbide

What gives Cerma its unique non-Newtonian dilatant behavior? The answer is STM-3 Technology with Nano Silicon Carbide (SiC).

Silicon Carbide is one of the hardest known materials — Mohs hardness of 9.5 (diamonds are 10) with a melting point of 2,730°C (4,946°F). In Cerma's formulation, SiC is processed to nano-scale particles that can:

Penetrate metal surfaces at a molecular level — the nano-sized particles don't just coat the surface, they bond within the metal structure, creating a permanent ceramic matrix.

Create a self-healing protective layer — minor surface damage is filled by the ceramic matrix, which reforms as SiC particles redistribute under stress.

Respond to stress with increased viscosity — when metal surfaces press together harder (higher load), the SiC particle interactions create greater resistance, thickening the protective barrier.

Withstand extreme temperatures — at 2,730°C melting point, SiC maintains its structure far beyond any temperature an engine will produce. While conventional oil breaks down at sustained high temperatures, the ceramic layer remains intact.

One-Time Application vs. Continuous Protection

It's important to understand that Cerma STM-3 Engine Treatment is a one-time application. You add it once to your engine oil, and the Nano Silicon Carbide permanently bonds to the metal surfaces. It survives oil changes because it becomes part of the metal structure itself — not just a coating sitting on top.

Cerma also offers ceramic motor oils (CERMA and CERMAX) that have the non-Newtonian dilatant properties built into the oil itself, providing continuous SiC ceramic protection with every oil change.

5. Conventional Oil vs Cerma: Side-by-Side

6. Cerma Non-Newtonian Products

Cerma offers non-Newtonian dilatant protection across multiple product lines — not just engine treatments. Every Cerma product containing STM-3 Nano Silicon Carbide technology exhibits the same stress-responsive behavior.

Engine Treatments (One-Time Application)

Add once to your existing oil. Permanently bonds SiC ceramic to engine internals. Compatible with all oil types.

Gas engines (all 4-8 cylinder): $105.60 | Shop Engine Treatments →

Transmission Treatments (One-Time Application)

Same SiC ceramic technology for transmission internals. Reduces friction, heat, and wear in automatic and manual transmissions.

Cars & trucks (2oz): $70.40 | Shop Transmission Treatments →

Ceramic Motor Oils (Continuous Protection)

Full synthetic motor oils with Nano SiC built in. Non-Newtonian dilatant properties in every drop. Available in CERMA (15,000-mile intervals) and CERMAX (30,000-mile intervals).

Shop Ceramic Motor Oils →

Fuel Treatments (Continuous Use)

SiC ceramic protection for the fuel system — cleans injectors, lubricates upper engine, boosts octane, and prevents gelling. 6-in-1 formula starting at $10.95.

Shop Fuel Treatments →