Developing a polymer coating that protects pipes
Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 3:34 am
Recently, researchers at Flinders University in Australia have developed a new polymer coating that could help protect pipelines while removing toxic metals from the liquids.
The study is led by researcher Max Mann, with the participation of scientists from the University of Liverpool (Great Britain).
Simpler procedure
Some coatings have been created in the past, but what sets this new invention apart, according to researchers, is its ease of manufacture. The coating is made from a cheap mixture of sulfur and a waxy chemical compound known as dicyclopentadiene. This process does not ios database require high temperatures — it can be manufactured at 140 ºC (284 ºF), reducing the possibility of uncontrolled reactions.
The polymer inside PVC, metal or concrete pipes can protect the material against corrosion and other damage related to solvents, acids or water.
Protects and cleans
In addition, this coating could absorb toxic metals that flow through the liquid inside the pipeline, such as mercury. This feature could be especially useful in the oil and gas industry, where remediation procedures require removing contaminants from oil and water mixtures.
According to the researchers, in their paper published in the journal Polymer Chemistry, if the coating is damaged, an application of heat could restore the protection, since, as they explain, sulfur-sulfur bonds are broken under localized high-heat conditions, but then uniformly repaired when the material cools.
FUNIBER promotes studies for the training of professionals in the area of Engineering and Projects. Some programs are.
The study is led by researcher Max Mann, with the participation of scientists from the University of Liverpool (Great Britain).
Simpler procedure
Some coatings have been created in the past, but what sets this new invention apart, according to researchers, is its ease of manufacture. The coating is made from a cheap mixture of sulfur and a waxy chemical compound known as dicyclopentadiene. This process does not ios database require high temperatures — it can be manufactured at 140 ºC (284 ºF), reducing the possibility of uncontrolled reactions.
The polymer inside PVC, metal or concrete pipes can protect the material against corrosion and other damage related to solvents, acids or water.
Protects and cleans
In addition, this coating could absorb toxic metals that flow through the liquid inside the pipeline, such as mercury. This feature could be especially useful in the oil and gas industry, where remediation procedures require removing contaminants from oil and water mixtures.
According to the researchers, in their paper published in the journal Polymer Chemistry, if the coating is damaged, an application of heat could restore the protection, since, as they explain, sulfur-sulfur bonds are broken under localized high-heat conditions, but then uniformly repaired when the material cools.
FUNIBER promotes studies for the training of professionals in the area of Engineering and Projects. Some programs are.