QUALLITY MANAGEMENT OF PROCETIVE COATINGS BASED ON ZIRCONIUM SILICATE

Abstract

The composition and production procedures of refractory coatings based on zirconium silicate for the protection of metal structures in conditions of wear, cavitation and corrosion were investigated in the paper. The composition of the coating was defined with a filler based on zirconium silicate, a binder based on epoxy resin, organic additives and an organic solvent. A method for quality control of obtained coatings was investigated using the ultrasonic vibration method with a stationary sample according to the ASTM G 32 standard. The following methods were used to characterize the obtained filler samples: X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The change in the mass of the samples as a function of the cavitation time was monitored and the cavitation rate was determined. The formation and development of damage to the coating surface was monitored using a scanning electron microscope. The obtained test results showed a satisfactory resistance of the protective coatings to the effect of cavitation, with small damage to the coating surface and a cavitation rate of 0.6 mg/min. Tests have shown that the application of the ultrasonic vibration method is suitable for a quick assessment of the quality of protective coatings during synthesis and a forecast of their resistance and stability during exploitation in the protection of equipment parts in mining and metallurgy.