Project's information
| Project's title | Development and Production of Advanced Polymer and Composite Coatings for Mitigating Microbial Corrosion and Antifouling in Seawater Environments for Metal Materials |
| Project’s code | TĐVLTT.02/21-23 |
| Research hosting institution | Institute for Tropical Technology |
| Project leader’s name | Prof. Dr. Thai Hoang |
| Project duration | 01/01/2021 - 31/12/2023 |
| Project’s budget | 9,000 million VND |
| Classify | Grade A |
| Goal and objectives of the project | - Manufacturing advanced coatings based on polymer and composite materials having anticorrosion, antimicrobial, and antifouling activity for metal materials operating in a seawater environment. |
| Main results | - Theoretical results: + Successful modification of nano ZnO, nano TiO2, and nano ZrO2 particles (commercial products) was achieved using silane/titanate organic coupling agent compounds (with suitable contents ranging from 2-5 wt.% in comparison with the nanoparticles' weight). These nanoparticles have significantly enhanced the properties of primer and intermediate coatings based on epoxy resin, as well as the properties of topcoat coatings based on polysiloxane/vinyl ester resin, due to good dispersion and interaction between these modified nanoparticles and the polymer matrix. The nanoparticles prepared by Component 1 also improved the properties of the paint system, similar to commercial nanoparticles that meet the requirements of TCVN 8789:2011. + The additive, i.e., Irgaguard B with a 1 wt.% content compared to polymer matrix weight, demonstrated effectiveness in antibacterial activities against marine bacterial strains such as P. stutzeri B27 and reduced sulfate bacteria (RSB). Cu2O nanoparticles, with a 2 wt.% content compared to binders (polymer matrix weight), namely polysiloxane and vinyl ester, exhibited high effectiveness in antifouling performance. + Three fabrication procedures, each with a capacity of 100 kg per batch, were established for the production of primer (epoxy/modified nano ZnO), intermediate (epoxy/modified nano TiO2 and modified nano ZrO2), and topcoat coatings (comprising polysiloxane, vinyl ester, or fluoropolymer reinforced by modified nano TiO2, modified nano ZrO2, commercial antimicrobial additives namely Iragol and Rocima, and antifouling additive Cu2O nanoparticles). The products from these fabrication procedures met the requirements of TCVN 8789:2011 and were employed for tests assessing the characteristics and properties of the coatings, as well as natural exposure tests. + After 60 days of immersion in a natural seawater test, the Cu ions released from the three-layer paint coating system, was 0.122 mg/L for the topcoat based on polysiloxane, 0.247 mg/L for the topcoat based on vinyl ester, and 0.02 mg/L for the topcoat based on fluoropolymer. Results from the natural salt spray test and accelerated weathering test indicate that the three-layer coating system with a topcoat based on polysiloxane or vinyl ester matrices exhibits better resistance than the three-layer coating system with a topcoat based on fluoropolymer. Antimicrobial and antifouling tests also reveal that the three-layer coating system with a topcoat based on vinyl ester or polysiloxane exhibited good activity against microbial strains and fouling organisms, while the three-layer coating system with a topcoat based on fluoropolymer demonstrated the worst performance among the investigated coating systems. + After an 18-month natural exposure test on a catamaran model ship at Bien Mo station at Vung Oan, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province, the parts of the boat coated with a paint system featuring a topcoat based on polysiloxane or vinyl ester showed minimal fouling, with no or very little attachment of fouling organisms compared to the three-layer paint system with a fluoropolymer resin-based topcoat. Consequently, these three-layer paint systems, especially those with a polysiloxane or vinyl ester resin-based topcoat, can be considered for use as antifouling paint for vehicles operating in seawater environments. - Applied results: + Establishing three fabrication procedures with a 100 kg/batch scale for primer, intermediate, and topcoat coatings, ensuring full compliance with current requirements for properties and technical standards according to TCVN 8789:2011. + The three-layer paint systems, featuring a vinylester or polysiloxane resin-based topcoat were applied to a catamaran model ship for a natural exposure test at at Vung Oan, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province. Over an 18-month period, these three-layer paint systems exhibited effective antifouling ability (very few bacterial films, microorganisms and no fouling organisms attached to the surface). |
| Novelty and actuality and scientific meaningfulness of the results | - Nano ZnO, nano TiO2, and nano ZrO2 particles modiffied with coupling agents like organic silane and titanate compounds at suitable content are effective reinforcement additives for primer, intermediate, and topcoat coatings on steel substrate of equipments and transport vehicles operating in seawater environments. These coatings meet the technical requirements according to TCVN 8789:2011 standards. - The combination of Irgaguard B and nano Cu2O could produce a synergistic effect on antibacterial activities and fouling resistance for polysiloxane or vinyl ester resin-based coatings. - The three-layer paint system with polysiloxane or vinyl ester-based topcoats could maintain antifouling resistance over 18 months, making it a potential choice for antifouling paint of transport vehicles working in a seawater environment. |
| Products of the project | - Scientific papers in referred journals (list): |
| Recommendations | The project's principal investigator suggests that the leaders of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology consider accepting the project and continue supporting the next phase for research, development, and refinement of the fabrication technology for a marine paint system. This system aims to be produced marine and antifouling paints on semi-industrial and industrial scales, paving the way for commercialization of this advanced paint systems. |
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