Properties of commercially available epoxy coating were modified using multi-walled carbon nanoparticles (MWCNT) to obtain functional coating with improved abrasion resistance. Simultaneously, corrosion resistance of the epoxy resin could not be negatively affected by the particles addition. Composite coatings with various MWCNT content were prepared and evaluated with regard to their function by abrasion and corrosion tests. We found out that the abrasion resistance of the coatings increased with increasing amount of CNT particles in the matrix. Corrosion protection properties of pure epoxy coating as well as its adhesion were slightly improved by adding 0.5 and 1 wt% MWCNT.

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Interactive thermochromic coatings based on Leuco dye are most commonly used in research for building cooling applications. The coatings developed by the authors are primarily aimed at industrial applications on metal substrates, mainly for safety reasons. Thanks to a higher transition temperature associated with a significant change in shade, they have the potential to prevent burns and can be used as an element of active protection in exposed areas. Interactive thermochromic materials with different base matrices and two dispersion methods have been monitored and tested over the long term to gain an overall impression of their behaviour and applicability. The monitoring of colour characteristics helps to understand the behaviour of the thermochromic pigment in different primer matrices. The values of L*, a*, and b* and the spectral curves measured by a spectrophotometer were compared. Colour differences between the cold and heated conditions were also evaluated. ΔE* values for acrylate polyol reached up to 39. For waterborne paint, they varied according to the method of dispersion—when using a saw tooth stirrer, ΔE* was 23, and when mixing with a rotor-stator device, up to 56. Similarly, for the polyurethane matrix: ΔE* went up to 39 for stirring with a saw tooth stirrer while ΔE* was 64 for the rotor-stator. From the measurement of the behaviour of the coatings during temperature exposure, it can be concluded that most of the samples show a decrease in the transition temperature. Monitoring the behaviour of coatings during cooling is important for choosing a suitable base matrix that will ensure the long-term functionality of the coating and declare the temperature range of its use for safety applications.

The problematic of pitting corrosion on blades of Kaplan turbine is discussed. Corrosion behaviour was observed during the first year of service. Material of the water turbine blades is martensitic stainless steel GX4CrNi13-4. Chemical composition and hardness of blades was measured, EDS analysis of corrosion products and microstructural evaluation on replicas were carried out. The main problem was found in heterogeneities in the cast microstructure and local disproportions in chemical composition. Influence of microbiologically induced corrosion and surface roughness is considered.