Corrosion engineering - polymer-based offshore protection: quality monitoring

For many years, coatings have served to protect sensitive surfaces which can be protected by applying an adhesive layer of an amorphous substance. Even in ancient times, materials were protected against the weather by the application of paint. Liquid coating systems are only one part of various applications. Gaseous coatings (e.g. CVD, PVD), liquid coatings (e. g. varnishing), dissolved coatings (e. g. galvanization) und solid coatings (e. g. powder-coating) are also used frequently. Since the early forties, the testing respectively the quality assurance of coating systems has been an extremely important aspect besides F&E. An extensive quality control guarantees a long and smooth operation of the materials in question. Nowadays coatings are high-tech products with varying properties – suitable for various applications. The automotive industry alone serves a huge market. In this case, not only the protective properties are absolutely necessary, the aesthetic aspect is also extremely important. Other industries, other requirements: the off-shore industry, for example, sets different standards than the automotive industry. In the off-shore industry, coating is an essential element to protect the material. Ship hulls, oil rigs, wind parks – to name just a few – are exposed to special environmental situations. Most commonly, multi-layer systems are used. Each coating has its own specific and protective task. Methods for quality assurance must therefore be carried out for each and every layer and component separately.