Evaluation of Anti-Cavitation Performance of Polyurethane Coatings in Seawater using Ultrasonic Vibratory Method

Abstract

The anti-cavitation performance and damage characteristics of polyurethane coatings containing carbon nanofibers (CNF) as reinforcement were investigated using the ultrasonic vibratory method in seawater (ASTM G32-10). Two commercial anti-cavitation coatings, glass flake-reinforced vinyl esther and urethane-modified epoxy, were used for comparison. During the cavitation tests, the cumulative mean depth of erosion (CMDE) was determined, and damage development against exposure time was evaluated for each coating using optical microscopy. A significant difference was found in the performance of the four polyurethane coatings. The polyurethane coating without CNF provided the least protection against cavitation attack, suggesting the added CNF improved and reinforced the resilience of the coating against impact pressure produced by cavitation bubble collapse. Excellent cavitation resistance was also exhibited by the polyurethane coating composition when fluorine was added, an improvement that may be attributed to the synergistic effect of CNF and fluorine on the polyurethane structure.

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“…The coating exhibited minimal surface degradation following 200 h of cavitation experiments, indicating superior resistance to cavitation. The cavitation resistance of polyurethane coatings reinforced with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in seawater was examined by Lee et al [75] through the application of the ultrasonic vibration method. The findings of the study demonstrated that the polyurethane coating lacking cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) exhibited the least resistance to cavitation.…”

“…13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 23 h of cavitation experiments, indicating superior resistance to cavitation. The cavitation resistance of polyurethane coatings reinforced with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in seawater was examined by Lee et al[75] through the application of the ultrasonic vibration method.…”