Development and characterization of sustainable coatings for environmentally benign marine transportation applications

Abstract

The development and characterization ofsustainable coatings for marine transportation applications is crucial for enhancing the long-term performance and environmental impact of anti-corrosionmaterials. This thesis investigates the effectiveness of eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors incorporated into epoxy-based coatings, focusing on theirperformance under static and dynamic humid conditions, which replicate the challenging marine environment. Through a series of rigorous electrochemical,mechanical, and surface analyses, the study evaluates the water-induced degradation mechanisms of these coatings, the efficacy of various corrosioninhibitors, and the role of novel materials such as graphene in enhancing coating integrity. The research reveals that water-induced degradationsignificantly impacts the performance of epoxy coatings, particularly under salt spray and dynamic flow conditions, leading to coating delamination andreduced protective properties. Incorporating eco-friendly inhibitors into the coatings enhances their resistance to degradation, preserving coating integrityin various humid environments over the long term. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex interactions between environmentalconditions, inhibitor performance, and coating properties. Additionally, the investigation into graphene-embedded epoxy coatings demonstrates the potentialof graphene platelets to improve the barrier properties of coatings, although they can exacerbate corrosion-induced delamination due to reduced interfacialadhesion between the coating and substrate. The use of accelerated aging techniques revealed that while graphene-embedded coatings offered excellentcorrosion resistance, their long-term performance may be compromised by adhesion challenges. This work provides valuable insights into the design andoptimization of sustainable coatings for marine applications, emphasizing the critical role of material selection and inhibitor incorporation to enhance thedurability and environmental compatibility of protective coatings. The findings contribute to advancing the development of more reliable, eco-friendly coatingsfor use in marine transportation, ensuring better corrosion management and environmental sustainability.