Polymeric Coatings for Improved Corrosion Resistance

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Lorax Systems Inc., Dartmouth, NS, specialise in fuel filtration systems and environmental protectiontechnology. As an example, the LineGuardian leak protection system has garnered international attention forapplications beyond home fuel oil systems, for example in uses such as house-hold water line protection, liquidpropane gas system leak prevention, large-diameter fuel transfer applications in marine environments, andpipeline monitoring within the oil and gas industry. There are severe materials demands for both their currentproduct line, as well as for expansion into new applications. In terms of the metals selected for construction oftheir components, the corrosion resistance is particularly important. When operating in highly competitivemarket environments, raw materials costs are also of critical consideration, so that improving performance oflower cost materials can be particularly beneficial. The proposed work outlines an approach toelectrochemically coat metallic parts with protective polymeric coatings that can be applied onto a variety ofsubstrate alloys. This approach has the benefit that the process is not simply line-of-sight, such that internalcoatings can also be achieved (e.g. filters). To assess applicability of this technique, initially both mild andstainless steel substrate grades will be coated, both being of relevance to Lorax Systems. Preliminary corrosiontests will then be conducted to compare the coated and uncoated materials in a simulated, synthetic seawaterenvironment, with the influence of coating damage also evaluated by inducing controlled surface scratches("holidays"). Successful completion of this project will allow Lorax Systems to integrate coating proceduresinto their manufacturing techniques, to enhance component lifetimes.