Investigating Newly Formulated Polysiloxane Coating Systems with Improved Erosion and Impact Properties

Project ID: 21067
Principal Investigator: Brian Baumgarten
Research Topic: Condition Assessment
Funded Fiscal Years: 2021, 2022 and 2023
Keywords: None

Research Question

The purpose of this study is to partner with Sherwin Williams and Duromar to evaluate experimental Polysiloxane coating systems formulated to improve erosion and impact properties while retaining all high-performance corrosion resistant characteristics. The result of this study would provide Reclamation with a safe and environmentally friendly coating system that provides equivalent corrosion resistance and toughness as vinyl coatings. This research will require Material Transfer Agreements (MTA) in order to evaluate the experimental products provided by Sherwin Williams and Duromar.

Need and Benefit

Polysiloxane coating systems were originally designed for atmospheric exposure but have proven to provide excellent barrier properties based on EIS and cathodic disbondment test results. A few commercial Polysiloxane products have equivalent performance to vinyl coatings, apart from erosion and impact resistance. Vinyl is known to provide a long service life, but high VOC content has restricted its use in many industrial markets. For example, vinyl is still providing corrosion protection at Shasta Dam unit 5 penstock after 70 years of service. As an alternative, Polysiloxanes would be environmentally friendly and safer to apply.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Please contact research@usbr.gov about research products related to this project.

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Last Updated: 6/22/20