Nanocomposite Coatings for Subsea Pipeline Corrosion Protection in Nigeria: Harnessing the Functionalities of Locally Sourced Bentonite and Rubber

Abstract

The study synthesized and characterized a polymer-rubber-organoclay nanocomposite coating for corrosion protection of X52-linepipe steel in a marine environment. A blend of diglycidyl ether bisphenol A (DGEBA) and epoxidized hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (EHTPB) rubber, with its nanocomposite coatings, was synthesized by solution exfoliation/intercalation. The degree of EP-EHTPB modification and fracture toughness was evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and SEM, while the degree of intercalation/exfoliation of nanoparticles was determined using XRD and SEM. The mechanical, adhesion, and barrier properties of the coatings were determined according to ASTM standards, while their corrosion behaviour was evaluated using total immersion and EIS techniques. The mechanical, adhesion, and barrier properties of the modified EP-10R and EP-10R-omNa-MMt nanocomposite coatings were enhanced compared to those of the EP. The protective properties of the nanocomposite coatings were higher compared to those of the EP, with EP-10R-3wt.%omNa-MMt showing the highest protection efficiency. The study concludes that by effectively integrating locally sourced bentonite as advanced nanomaterials, the synthesized polymer-rubber-organoclay nanocomposite coating shows the potential to significantly enhance the corrosion resistance of subsea pipelines.