Acid-resistant organic coatings for the chemical industry: a review

Industries that work with acidic chemicals in their processes need to make choices on how to properly contain the substances and avoid rapid corrosion of equipment. Certain organic coatings and linings can be used in such environments, either to protect vulnerable construction materials, or, in combination with fiber reinforcement, to replace them. However, degradation mechanisms of organic coatings in acid service are not thoroughly understood and relevant quantitative investigations are scarce. This review describes the uses and limitations of acid-resistant coatings in the chemical industry, with a comparison to alternative resistant materials based on metals or ceramics. In addition, coating degradation phenomena, caused by acid exposure, are mapped to the extent possible, and analysis methods for detecting coating degradation type and severity are listed and discussed. It is concluded that more knowledge on chemical and physical degradation mechanisms is required, and that improvements in resistance to elevated temperatures and abrasion would decrease the risk of use and increase the potential application areas of organic coatings exposed to acidic environments in the chemical industry.