This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop and test thermal spray coating systems to eliminate corrosion of steel pilings, which has been reported as high as 1.5% per year. It is anticipated that a metal/polymer duplex coating will be `damage tolerant` and provide corrosion protection superior to that of simple coating so that corrosion of pilings will be reduced to negligible levels. If successful, the research should help reduce the high costs and liability of piling failure. The coating systems and coating design method to be developed for steel pilings will also be suitable for other applications, including highways and bridges, pipelines, underground and above ground storage tanks, ships, and reaction vessels. The commercial applications are very broad.
