SMARCOAT project is divided into six inter-related, complementary work packages.
In WP1, Coordination and Management, all the activities were performed according to the plan. The coordinator, University of Aveiro (UAVR), was supported by all the WP leaders and partner representatives to carry out daily coordination, dissemination and risk management.
In WP2, Development of sensing micro and nanomaterials, the main focus leaned on the synthesis of silica nanocontainers and layered double hydroxides with pH indicators, polymeric capsules for impact detection and porous titania and zinc oxide materials for detection of UV degradation related processes. These syntheses were successfully achieved and the encapsulation of active species performed. Later, four different systems were selected for upscaling activities.
In WP3, Coating preparation and characterization, pre-treatments were for developed for different metallic and FRP substrates. In addition, different coating formulations were selected and the incorporation of additives developed in WP2 tested. The concept of sensing systems with visual response upon mechanical impact was demonstrated, while pH-sensing nanoadditives were found to sense corrosion in different magnesium (Mg) and aluminium (Al) alloys. Moreover, a complete coating system combining anticorrosion protection and different sensing functionalities was developed.
In WP4, Impact sensing verification and modelling, the concept of mono-sensitive system with a function of visual response to mechanical action was realized by developing model systems. Furthermore, the modeling of mechanical properties of a single microcapsule was carried out and several semi-empirical and constitutive models were analysed for calculation of the elastic moduli of particulate composites with spherical inclusions. Later, the micromechanical models used to explain the behavior of composites with spherical inclusions were validated. In this WP, the verification of impact sensing was also performed and the correlation between sensor response and magnitude of stimuli was studied for both mechanical and corrosion degradation processes. Finally, a manual with experimental and modelling guidelines for optimization of capsules, particles and coatings was prepared.
In WP5, Upscaling and validation, several samples of upscaled nanoadditives were supplied to different partners and the most promising systems were used to prepare batches of coating formulations, later applied into prototypes and subjected to standard testing.
In WP6, Dissemination and Exploitation, several actions were performed to disseminate the results of the project. A list of publications, communications in conferences and workshops is publicly available in deliverables D6.1 D6.2 and D6.4. Regarding the exploitation of most promising results, the most important outcomes of the project from a market perspective was assessed by the industrial partners.
