Now, researchers at the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS) have made a key breakthrough. They’re a company with cutting-edge marine anti-corrosion technology. Superhydrophobic coating with RTR particles led by Professor Binbin Zhang, the team created a superhydrophobic composite coating that used recycled tire rubber (RTR) particles. Their creative approach results in an incredibly effective solution. It drastically improves the wear and life of materials in extreme ocean conditions.
The breakthrough, reported in the aptly named Chemical Engineering Journal, is further proof of the potential superhydrophobic substances. These materials can greatly lower their solid-liquid contact area and surface energy. These properties render them as excellent candidates for developing efficient anti-corrosion coatings. The team’s research underlines the importance of long-term corrosion resistance, an essential property for reliable materials especially in challenging marine applications.
Superhydrophobic Coatings Explained
Superhydrophobic coatings are engineered to ensure water has a hard time sticking around, reducing corrosion threats. By reducing the contact area between the solid surface and liquid, these coatings prevent moisture from penetrating and causing damage. The IOCAS research team has effectively incorporated RTR particles as an armored skeleton structure within the coating, enhancing its mechanical stability.
This highly creative composite serves as an example to all on the benefits of using recycled materials while exposing exciting and tangible applications for saving our planet. Incorporating RTR particles into the coating provides additional fortification for the coating, allowing it to stand up to corrosive agents often present in marine settings.
Impressive Durability Tests
The new coating still had to stand up to some serious testing to test its endurance and speed. In fact, it was tested to 840 hours of exposure to a salt solution containing 3.5 wt.% NaCl. There was absolutely no indication of any failure or rust. Moreover, it continued to hold up after 1,680 hours of exposure to marine atmospheric conditions. These findings highlight the long-term effectiveness and reliability of the coating.
Professor Zhang discovered inspiration for this improvement by studying rubber running tracks. He was struck by how they keep their integrity through the ages, despite being subject to the indignities of the environment on a daily basis.
“Old tires find new life: Rubber particles strengthen superhydrophobic coatings against corrosion” – phys.org
Future Implications
This discovery opens up possibilities far beyond just anti-corrosion applications. Using recycled tire rubber in our superhydrophobic coatings is just one way we’re driving global sustainability. It takes suffering waste and avoids it, upcycling it into functional, high quality products. This advanced technique presents exciting possibilities for wider adoption across multiple industries, from building construction to the automotive field.
The full study is publicly available online and offers a great overview of what we can expect from these exciting new superhydrophobic materials. It is hoped that this will stimulate additional research and development in the critical area of corrosion resistance, especially using sustainable materials.