Protective coatings: A particular focus on replacing non-REACH-conform components
We spoke to Dr. Peter Plagemann, Group Manager Electrochemistry and Corrosion Protection of Fraunhofer IFAM, about current trends in corrosion protection and how prominent water-borne and self-healing coatings are in the field.
What is in the focus of R & D efforts in corrosion protection?
Dr. Peter Plagemann: Besides traditional questions such as lifetime predictability and acceleration of corrosion testing, there is a particular focus on replacing non-REACH-conform components. Chromates are familiar examples, and in some applications, are still of technical relevance. Further raw materials are under discussion and it can be expected that more and more components might become under regulatory threat.
How prominent are water-borne systems in the field?
Plagemann: In automotive applications, water-borne coatings are state of the art. At least electrochemically applied coatings are principally water-borne. Nevertheless, in heavy duty applications water-based options have minor meaning. This is a pity, because water-borne solutions are available for this area, too – such as water-based zinc primer.
What is the status quo regarding the use of self-healing coatings in corrosion protection?
Plagemann: In several research projects, the applicability of self-healing coatings has been successfully demonstrated. Several systems have proven to be suitable for various applications, such as automotive and heavy duty (e.g. in ship building). However, they have not been implemented commercially so far. Only a few examples in commercial application are known, for instance in wood protection.
You are the speaker for the Anticorrosive Coatings seminar in November, what can participants expect?
Plagemann: Getting into the topic of corrosion protective coatings, we will start from the absolute beginning. The electrochemical basics of corrosion are presented in order to develop the individual aspects of the corrosion protection by coatings. This also includes surface pretreatment, paint properties and interfacial phenomena that may result in failure of the protection function. In particular, the seminar addresses paint experts and developers who want to take greater account to the fundamental corrosion protection aspects of coatings.
Event tip
Dr Peter Plagemann will be the speaker for the European Coatings Seminar Anticorrosive Coatings on November 14 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In the seminar you will get a fundamental insight imto corrosion protection in coatings, including what surface preparation is necessary for an endurable coating, current trends in corrosion protection coatings and how self-healing coatings work.
