Composite Coating for Corrosion Barrier and Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current corrosion protection methods for metal substrates, particularly steel in the oil and gas industry, fail to provide effective long-term protection against hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and sea water under hydrothermal conditions due to issues with brittleness, abrasion resistance, and the use of heavy metals or lack of barrier effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A highly structured composite coating composition comprising a cross-linkable resin with polar groups and hydrophilic flakes coated with transition metal oxides, applied via spraying and cured to form a durable, abrasion-resistant barrier that adheres well to metal substrates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If inorganic ceramic layers are used to provide barrier protection against corrosive substances, then gas impermeability is improved, but brittleness increases and adhesion to metal substrates deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrier effect against corrosive substancesVSAvoidadhesion strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite coating system consisting of a polymer-based top layer containing inorganic fillers (such as glass beads, ceramic particles, or flake materials) applied over a metal substrate. This composite structure combines the gas barrier properties of inorganic materials with the flexibility and adhesion of polymer matrices, resolving the contradiction between barrier effectiveness and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If high-chromium-containing steels are used to provide corrosion resistance, then protection against corrosive substances is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cost-effective protective coating applied to ordinary metal substrates (such as carbon steel or aluminum) that provides sufficient corrosion protection for the service life required. Instead of using expensive high-chromium alloys, the solution uses a disposable protective layer that can be applied economically and replaced if necessary, significantly reducing material costs while maintaining adequate protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If polymer-based coatings are used to improve adhesion and flexibility, then mechanical stability is improved, but gas barrier effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidgas barrier effect
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite coating system where a polymer matrix provides mechanical stability and adhesion, while embedded inorganic fillers (glass beads, ceramic particles, flake materials) provide the gas barrier effect. The synergistic combination allows the coating to simultaneously achieve flexibility from the polymer and impermeability from the inorganic components, resolving the contradiction between mechanical properties and barrier effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The coating composition achieves excellent adhesion and barrier properties against corrosive substances, providing long-term protection and resistance to abrasion and impact, while avoiding the use of heavy metals and maintaining effectiveness under hydrothermal conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a binder comprising at least one cross-linkable resin, wherein the resin comprises at least one polar group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

at least one type of hydrophilic flakes with an aspect ratio of more than 10, wherein the surface of flakes at least partially comprises a metal oxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Data Source

PatentEP2794773B1Highly structured composite material and process for the manufacture of protective coatings for corroding substrates
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUR NEUE MATERIALIEN GMBH
  • EP2794773B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2794773B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2794773B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a highly structured composite material, which can be applied and cured as a protective layer on corroding metal substrates, particularly on steel. Due to its highly structured composition it is a particularly effective barrier to protect metals against attack by corrosive sub- stances such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and sea water, if necessary under hydrothermal conditions. At the same time it is also abrasion stable, for example against a grinding effect by sand, as well as resistant to the impact of mechanical load e. g. by tools. This is achieved by a coating composition comprising a binder comprising at least one cross-linkable resin, wherein the resin comprises at least one of polar group; at least one type of hydrophilic flakes with an aspect ratio of more than 10, wherein the surface of the flakes at least partially comprises a metal oxide; and an organic solvent.