Organic coatings extend the lifetime of major metallic assets at a fraction of the cost or environmental impact of either accepting corrosion resulting in shorter asset lifetimes, requiring more frequent replacement, or using more corrosion resistant alloys which are more expensive and may also use less environmentally friendly elements. However, many of the current range of organic coatings are based on materials whose use is being restricted due to legislation and / or have a limited and often unpredictable service lifetime. The limited lifetime of organic coatings in environments from mild to extreme, necessitates more frequent recoating than optimal, often in challenging environments, such as oil rigs, tall buildings, aircraft etc., with unavoidable safety and environmental concerns.
Organic coatings for metals for architectural, transportation, industrial and domestic uses represent a European market of over €10 billion. The future competitiveness of European organic coatings for corrosion protection is based on product quality, product differentiation, cost, line versatility and environmental compliance.
SUSTICOAT delivered a research and training programme focused on state of the art characterisation, modelling and formulation of organic coatings for corrosion protection to maintain Europe’s competitiveness.
The specific scientific objectives in SUSTICOAT were to:
• Develop fundamental understanding using state of the art characterisation and modelling techniques of the formation and evolution of the pore network in commercial organic coatings, for a range of applications.
• Identify common physical phenomena in the formation, aging and properties of different coatings (solvent-based, water-based, and powder-based) to enhance the ability to predict their performance.
• Provide a link between coating characterisation, formulation and product performance applicable to a range of applications.
SUSTICOAT made the connection between the scientific understanding and the production of commercial organic coatings, while dealing with the complex issues faced when translating scientific concepts into industrial products.
SUSTICOAT’s research and training programmes covered TRL 4-7 (prototype demonstration in operational environment), provided a unique opportunity for training researchers in applied problems and advanced the knowledge and understanding of coatings for corrosion protection at high TRLs.
