OCEANIC project tests coatings at WaveRoller site

Under the scope of the OCEANIC project, the marine environment team has deployed an experimental structure to test different coatings techniques to be used for marine renewable energy technologies.

An experimental structure to test different coatings techniques, such as thermal spray aluminum and Gelcoat, and coating materials like vinylester, and polyester has been deployed to identify the coating solution that maximizes the protection of materials against marine growth and corrosion.

The structure was designed and assembled in WavEC premises, followed by the installation at the WaveRoller test site location off Portugal.

After 6 months of immersion the structures and panels will be retrieved and marine growth and corrosion in metallic panels will be assessed, OCEANIC project’s administration informed.

Results are expected to provide inputs on what type of methods and materials should be used to decrease marine growth and corrosion and to improve marine renewable energy materials and components resistance and reliability.

Results will be used to provide informed advice on anti-fouling and anti-corrosion coatings for WaveRoller wave energy device developers, according to OCEANIC.

To remind, OCEANIC project has received financial backing through the Oceanera-Net international collaborative initiative.