BIOCORIN

NEW BIOCOATING FOR CORROSION INHIBITION IN METAL SURFACES

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The annual direct cost of corrosion estimated worldwide exceeds €1.32 trillion, which means approximately between 3 to 4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of industrialized countries. Among the different types of corrosion Microbial Influenced Corrosion (MIC) caused by fouling is estimated to be involved in at least 10% of the corrosion problems of structures reaching to 50% in the case of subterranean pipes. Existing antifouling solutions include biocides and solutions not environmentally friendly. Latest research has begun to focus on greener replacements, but up to now, with low environmental performance and durability ratios. This fact has caused an urgent demand for greener, non-toxic or low-toxicity (green Anti-Fouling agents) and longer lasting antifouling compounds and technologies. The main objective of the project is the development of an innovative biomimetic and eco-efficient environmental technology for inhibiting microbial induced corrosion (MIC) produced by biofouling through the integration of microorganisms in a sol-gel coating for metal surfaces of civil engineering structures in marine and terrestrial environments. The potential economic impact of the technology developed in the project could mean approximately 612 billion € in direct cost. The general objectives are expected to be achieved through the following WPs: WP1: Microorganisms and inhibitors to be included in the sol-gel matrix WP2: Synthesis of a sol-gel enriched matrix for corrosion inhibition WP3: Environmental aspects of the biomimetic developed coating WP4: Demonstration WP5: Dissemination WP6: Business models and Exploitation WP7: Project Management'

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Corrosion is the primary means of metal deterioration, affecting the safety and function of critical infrastructure and equipment around the world. EU-funded scientists are developing eco-friendly technology to combat microbial-influenced corrosion (MIC) within the scope of the project 'New biocoating for corrosion inhibition in metal surfaces' (http://www.biocorin.eu/ (BIOCORIN)) .

When microorganisms adhere to and thrive on metal surfaces they create a biofilm that serves as the first stage of biofouling. Because current anti-fouling solutions have raised concerns about negative environmental impact, researchers turned to nature to 'fight fire with fire'. Anti-fouling microorganisms that secrete anti-MIC compounds in response to the presence of MIC as a result of the natural antagonism among microbial populations are the key.

The BIOCORIN team used genetic techniques to identify bacteria, fungi and yeast associated with fouling and MIC in samples obtained from four different climatic zones. They also identified two candidate bacteria with anti-MIC properties that were confirmed to be present in the analysed environments and active on corroded steel plates.

Scientists have incorporated these microorganisms in a sol-gel matrix and applied the coating with various techniques. Preliminary tests of chemical corrosion resistance, mechanical stability and anti-fouling microorganism viability have yielded promising results. Specifically, the coating retained corrosion resistance after immersion in saline solution for 40 days and all microorganisms were still viable after the 11-day test point.

A first approach of the life-cycle assessment has been performed. The innovative BIOCORIN solution shows a significant reduction of 46% of CO2 and 71% of methane emissions resulted in a decrease of the impact category of Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared with other traditional antifouling solutions. A political, economic, social and technological analysis of external factors that can affect the product's performance has pointed to important considerations for future product development.The BIOCORIN technology is expected to increase infrastructure durability by up to 30 % and decrease costs by 20 % compared to currently available solutions. Overall economic impact is estimated at approximately EUR 612 billion in savings in direct costs of MIC. Environmental benefits abound as well, ranging from minimising the use of hazardous substances to decreasing materials usage and energy consumption.