3rd TAGRA

Corrosion of marine steel structures remains one of the major challenges in shipbuilding and offshore engineering, leading to significant maintenance costs, reduced operational reliability, and environmental concerns. The development of advanced protective coatings with improved durability and corrosion resistance is therefore an important research direction. Nanomodification of conventional coating systems has recently attracted considerable attention due to its potential to enhance both mechanical and protective properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of nanomodified PF-115 alkyd coatings for sustainable corrosion protection of marine steel exposed to aggressive marine and petrochemical environments. Four coating formulations were prepared, including a reference PF-115 coating and three nanomodified systems containing nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), zinc oxide (ZnO), and copper(I) oxide (Cu₂O) nanoparticles. The coatings were applied to steel substrates under identical laboratory conditions, producing dry film thicknesses within the recommended protective range. The experimental program included laboratory exposure under simulated marine and petrochemical conditions. The coatings were evaluated in terms of corrosion resistance, coating integrity, adhesion, and overall protective performance. Comparative analysis demonstrated that the incorporation of nanoparticles significantly improved the protective characteristics of the coatings compared with the unmodified PF-115 formulation. The combined use of nano-CaCO₃, ZnO, and Cu₂O provided the highest corrosion resistance and improved long-term coating stability under aggressive environmental conditions. The nanomodified coatings also exhibited enhanced barrier properties, reducing coating degradation during prolonged exposure. The obtained results confirm that nanomodification is an effective approach for improving the performance of conventional alkyd protective coatings intended for marine applications. The proposed coating systems may contribute to extending the service life of marine steel structures, reducing maintenance requirements, and supporting sustainable corrosion protection strategies in the maritime industry. The findings demonstrate the practical potential of nanotechnology for developing next-generation protective coatings for shipbuilding and related engineering applications.