Thermally Sprayed Coatings on Concrete for Icephobic Protection in Sea Water Environments

Abstract

The growing demand for renewable energy has increased the use of offshore wind turbines, requiring study infrastructure. However, environmental challenges impact not only the turbine components but also the foundations in the water. Different foundation structures exist for varying sea-bed conditions, each with material durability pros and cons. Concrete, a common choice for shallow shores, contributes significantly to the industry's carbon footprint. Eco-friendly concrete alternatives aim to reduce environmental impact but may lead to variable performance. This study explores thermally sprayed coatings on eco-friendly concrete surfaces to enhance icephobic performance in seawater conditions, crucial for offshore wind turbine foundations. Multilayered coating system is created using flame spraying of PE and electric arc spraying of Zn. Extensive testing, including simulated seawater conditions, <br/>evaluates coating efficacy in solving ice-related challenges. The findings offer valuable insights into the performance of thermally sprayed coatings, providing innovative solutions for marine environments.