Abstract
The economic use of offshore wind turbines requires a reliable and long-lasting corrosion protection. Sophisticated multilayer coating systems consisting of a thermal spray coating – mainly ZnAl15, a sealer and several layers of organic coating – have been proven to provide such protection. Damages to these duplex-coatings can, however, not be prevented necessitating on-site repair. In case of severe damages, the remaining coating close to the damage is often removed and subsequently, the duplex coating is rebuilt from scratch. In the present study, two integrated coating removal and substrate pre-treatment methods are investigated. For this purpose, duplex-systems were produced, artificially damaged by milling and afterwards treated by either grit blasting or with a rotating steel-wire brush, i.e. a Monti Bristle Blaster. Afterwards, the duplex coating was re-applied in the considered area. To evaluate the influence of the pre-treatment method on the coatings’ corrosion protection potential, a 38 week-long salt spray test was used. The test revealed a pronounced influence of the pre-treatment method on the corrosion protection potential. In case of grit blasting, no substrate corrosion could be detected. The use of a Bristle Blaster, however, resulted in coating failure and some spots of red rust.
