STEELCOAT

Development of green anticorrosion coatings for steel protection based on environmentally friendly nanoparticles and conducting polymers

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The overall objective of the STEELCOAT project is to reduce the use of toxic and hazardous compounds in, and extend the service life of, anticorrosion coatings for steel. The project aims to develop novel green, environmentally friendly, anticorrosion coatings with extended durability for steel protection. We will develop both high solids (HS) solvent-borne and water-borne anticorrosion maintenance coatings. The corrosion protection in these novel coatings will be achieved by combining green nanoparticles, conductive polymers and binders.

Steel is an excellent material with high strength and outstanding mechanical properties and it has been used for centuries. Exposing bare steel surfaces to a corrosive environment will lead to corrosion of the steel surfaces and thus pose a potential danger to the whole steel structure, reducing its service life. The cost of corrosion is 3-4 % of GDP worldwide and is therefore a very important issue for all modern societies. Many compounds that are used in the corrosion protection of steel today are hazardous to the environment and to human health. For example, hexavalent chromium has been used in inhibitive pigments but these pigments are being phased out due to environmental and health concerns. Thus, there is an urgent need to replace current paint systems with new effective systems that are more environmental friendly and not hazardous to human health.

In the STEELCOAT project we will develop new HS solvent-borne and water-borne anticorrosion maintenance coating systems for steel protection through the combination of nanoceria, nanoclay, conductive polymers and binders. In order to optimize the corrosion protection of the novel systems we will devote a part of the project to increased fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of corrosion protection. Furthermore, in the development of the coating formulations we will investigate and optimize the mechanical properties of the coating and the adhesion to the steel surface.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Steel is subject to corrosion that can reduce service life and lead to collapse in the most severe cases. Novel eco-friendly anti-corrosion coatings will extend the functional lifetime of steel products while reducing hazardous chemicals in the environment.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Protective coatings are commonly applied to prevent contact with moisture and oxygen, but many compounds present in these are now known environmental and public health hazards. A number of dangerous compounds used in anti-corrosion coatings are being phased out due to stricter regulations, yet suitable replacements are lacking.

In response to the urgent need for eco-friendly corrosion protection, scientists initiated the http://www.steelcoatproject.com/en/Sidor/default.aspx (STEELCOAT) project. They developed green anti-corrosion coatings for steel protection based on environmentally benign nanoparticles and conductive polymers. The coatings include high-solids solvent-based ones with low concentrations of dangerous volatile organic compounds as well as water-based coatings.

The impact of STEELCOAT products will be broad-sweeping as steel has historically been and will continue to be an important construction material due to its strength and durability. Areas affected by corroded steel include transportation infrastructure, transport vehicles, utilities distribution networks and energy infrastructure. Financial losses in these sectors due to steel corrosion are large and, given environmental concerns due to current coatings, likely to increase without suitable replacements. The novel eco-friendly steel coatings will enhance the competitiveness of the steel sector and help protect infrastructure and public health.