Corrosion and anti-corrosion coatings

Corrosion and the permeability of anti-corrosion coatings

Industrial anti-corrosive coatings are applied when metallic materials are placed in corrosive environments to prevent water coming into contact with them. However, the permeability of a coating to liquid water is very different from its permeability against water in its gaseous or vapour form.

Some materials are an almost perfect barrier to liquid water, but allow the vapour to pass through virtually unhindered. Breathable fabrics rely on this to keep rain out whilst letting the wearer perspire.

It’s a sad fact of life that most metals corrode, and even sadder that not all of the anti-corrosion coatings work as well as they should. Most are reasonable at keeping out liquid water, but when it comes to water-vapour and oxygen, the story isn’t as good. And that’s why so many things go rusty!

Corrosion is a massive drain on both industry and infrastructure. Damage caused by corrosion, in the US, alone cost a stunning $B140 in 2001. Appropriate coatings could slash this cost simply by reducing the oxygen needed to fuel these often rapid chemical and Permeability and anti-corrosion coatings

electrochemical reactions.

Our permeability measurement equipment equipment is simple to use, yet offers high precision and repeatability. It is accurate in the Parts Per Million (PPM) range - PPB for some materials and gases. It can be configured to measure permeability under a wide range of conditions and for almost all gases including hydrocarbons, solvents, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, helium and water vapour and much more. The equipment is computerised and highly automated.

We also supply a comprehensive permeability and diffusive flow lab testing service for companies who don’t wish to purchase their own equipment.

Permeability vapour barrier Click here for a press release on corrosion