Plasma Polymer Coatings to Prevent Pipeline Corrosion and Reduce Friction

摘要

Three different materials, thiophene, hexamethyldisiloxane, and hexamethyldisilazane were deposited on mild steel coupons by low temperature radio-frequency plasma polymerization. Statistically designed experiment matrices were utilized to screen a range of operating conditions and optimize coating properties. For two of the materials, a narrower range of conditions was used to produce coating weights of about 400 micrograms per square centimeters, and these coatings were evaluated for corrosion protection and coating physical properties. Coatings were produced which yielded 256 hours in air-bubbled salt water to 95% corrosion. Uncoated coupons in the same test rusted to 95% in six hours. The best coating was deposited at a rate of 4 micrograms per square centimeter per minute, but reasonably good coatings were produced at coating rates of 20 to 30 micrograms per square centimeter per minute. The feasibility of corrosion protection coatings using low temperature plasma polymerization has been established by this project, but much process and product development remains for commercialization. Recommendations for continued development work are discussed in this report. Keywords: Ceramic materials; Pipelines; Diagnostic tests; real time; process control methods.