NANOMAR

NANOCONTAINER-BASED ACTIVE COATINGS FOR MARITIME APPLICATIONS

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'NANOMAR project aims at establishing long-lasting scientific collaboration network between European research institutions and scientists from two BRIC countries, namely Brasil and Russian Federation. The collaboration will be established on the basis of synergistic combination of the complementary expertises targeting in development of novel “smart” sustainable materials for offshore applications. The collaborative network joints together groups working on development of new functional nanocontainers, novel protective coatings as well as teams holding recognised expertise on the characterization of the anticorrosion coatings. The main scientific objective of the proposal is development of a new generation of “smart” bifunctional coatings that combine the self-healing anticorrosion ability with antifouling properties for offshore applications such as oil-mining platforms and windmill farms. The main scientific approach on which this project is based is the controlled release of the active species (corrosion inhibitor and biocide agent, respectively) from nanostructured receptacles (nanocontainers) in damaged zones of the coating. The separated specific activities are already ongoing in the individual involved institutions. Therefore the high financial investments are not requested. The extensive exchange of knowledge and expertise on the mutual benefit basis seems to be the most appropriate tool for implementation of the planned objectives.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Ensuring a secure supply of energy with a focus on renewable energy sources is one of the major challenges of the 21st century. Smart anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coatings that withstand harsh marine environments will help achieve these goals.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Offshore wind farms are one of the most promising technologies to meet global energy demand in a sustainable way. The EU supported the development of smart materials for improved corrosion and fouling protection of marine structures through funding of the project 'Nanocontainer-based active coatings for maritime applications' (NANOMAR).

Nanocontainers are tiny compartments that can store molecules for controlled release. Scientists investigated their use in coatings to release corrosion inhibitors and biocides in response to coating damage. The consortium combined the unique strengths of experts in Brazil, Europe and Russia in this innovative effort. Scientific and personnel exchange, the latter focused on training of young researchers, were important pillars of the project to forge a lasting collaboration.

Investigators screened corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel as there is a lack of such substances available for this metal that are adequate for the harsh environments found in offshore applications. The most promising active species were encapsulated in micro- and nanocontainers that could release them in the presence of various triggers. Biocides were encapsulated in organic and inorganic reservoirs. Researchers used the release profiles of the nanoadditives to determine compatibility with coating formulations.

As a first step, the corrosion inhibitors or the biocides were integrated in coatings individually to test performance of each one in controlled experiments. The team employed electrochemical techniques, and accelerated tests of corrosion resistance and evaluation of anti-fouling during exposure in offshore platforms. The most promising nanoadditives were combined in a multifunctional coating and subjected to in-service testing on an offshore platform in Brazil.

The consortium is now selecting the most promising multifunctional system for industrial implementation. Development of a new generation of smart and sustainable coatings for marine applications will benefit numerous sectors. Among these are energy and shipping, pillars of many economies and vital to global socioeconomic progress.