Finite element analysis of effect of interfacial bubbles on performance of epoxy coatings under alternating hydrostatic pressure

The stresses around bubbles formed on a coating/substrate interface under hydrostatic pressure (HP) and alternating hydrostatic pressure (AHP) were calculated using the finite element method. The results reveal that HP promotes coating failure but does not mechanically destroy the interface, whereas AHP can provide tensile stress on bubbles formed at the interface and accelerate disbonding of the coating. Because of water resistance, a lag time exists for the coating that serves in an AHP environment. The coating can have a better protective performance if the lag time suits the AHP to minimize the impact of the AHP on the interface. (c) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Automated summary

The study found that hydrostatic pressure leads to coating failure, while alternating hydrostatic pressure accelerates coating disbonding. However, a suitable lag time can improve the protective performance of the coating.