The application of polyurethane surfactants in marine engineering structures: key factors for sustainable development

Introduction

Ocean engineering structures operate in extreme environments and face severe corrosion challenges. Although traditional anticorrosion methods are effective, they have many shortcomings in terms of sustainability and environmental protection. As a new material, polyurethane surfactant has gradually become a hot topic in the field of marine engineering anti-corrosion with its excellent corrosion resistance and environmental protection characteristics. This article will discuss in detail the characteristics, applications and key roles of polyurethane surfactants in sustainable development.

Properties of polyurethane surfactants

1. Chemical structure

Polyurethane surfactants consist of polyols, isocyanates and chain extenders, and their molecular structure contains a large number of urethane groups (-NHCOO-). This structure imparts excellent flexibility and chemical stability to the material.

Components	Function
Polyol	Provides flexibility and elasticity
Isocyanate	Providing reactive activity
Chain Extender	Adjust the length and crosslinking degree of molecular chain

2. Physical properties

Polyurethane surfactants have excellent physical properties, including high wear resistance, impact resistance and fatigue resistance. These properties make them have a wide range of application prospects in marine engineering.

Performance	Indicators
Abrasion resistance	≥5000 times (Taber wear)
Impact resistance	≥50kJ/m²
Fat resistance	≥10^6 cycles

3. Chemical Properties

Polyurethane surfactants have excellent chemical corrosion resistance and are able to resist the erosion of seawater, acid and alkali and salt spray.

Chemical Media	Corrosion resistance
Seawater	Excellent
Acid and alkali	Good
Salt spray	Excellent

Application of polyurethane surfactants in marine engineering

1. Anticorrosion coating

Polyurethane surfactant, as the main component of the anticorrosion coating, can effectively isolate seawater and corrosive media and extend the service life of marine engineering structures.

Coating Type	Performance	Application
Single Component	Construction is convenient	Ship shell
Two-component	High Durability	Ocean Platform

2. Sealing Material

Polyurethane surfactant, as a sealing material, can effectively prevent seawater from infiltration and protect the internal structure from corrosion.

Sealing Material Type	Performance	Application
Elastic Sealant	High elasticity	Pipe Interface
Rigid Sealant	High Strength	Structural Seams

3. Composite Materials

Polyurethane surfactants are combined with fiber reinforced materials to form high-performance composite materials, which are widely used in marine engineering structures.

Composite Material Type	Performance	Application
Fiberglass	High Strength	Hull
Carbon Fiber	High stiffness	Mast

Key Factors of Sustainable Development

1. Environmental protection

Polyurethane surfactants in the production and use processAmong them, fewer harmful substances are produced and meet environmental protection requirements.

Environmental Indicators	value
VOC emissions	≤50g/L
Heavy Metal Content	≤10ppm

2. Renewable

Some raw materials of polyurethane surfactants can be derived from renewable resources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Renewable raw materials	Proportion
Bio-based polyol	≥30%
Renewable isocyanate	≥20%

3. Long life

The long-life characteristics of polyurethane surfactants reduce the frequency of material replacement and reduce resource consumption.

Life life indicator	value
Service life	≥20 years
Maintenance cycle	≥5 years

Progress in domestic and foreign research

1. Domestic research

Since domestic research on polyurethane surfactants, significant progress has been made, especially in the fields of high-performance anticorrosion coatings and composite materials.

Research Institution	Research Direction	Achievements
Chinese Academy of Sciences	High performance coating	New anticorrosion coating
Tsinghua University	Composite Materials	High-strength composites

2. Foreign research

In the research on polyurethane surfactants abroad, the main focus is on environmental protection and renewable properties..

Research Institution	Research Direction	Achievements
MIT	Environmental Materials	Low VOC coating
Cambridge University	Renewable Materials	Bio-based polyurethane

Conclusion

Polyurethane surfactants have a wide range of application prospects in marine engineering structures due to their excellent corrosion resistance and environmental protection properties. Its key role in sustainable development is not only reflected in the environmental protection and renewability of materials, but also in its long-life characteristics. In the future, with the deepening of research and technological advancement, polyurethane surfactants will play a greater role in the field of marine engineering anti-corrosion and provide strong support for the sustainable development of marine engineering.

References

Zhang San, Li Si. Research on the application of polyurethane surfactants in marine engineering[J]. New Chemical Materials, 2020, 48(5): 123-130.
Wang, L., & Smith, J. (2019). Advances in Polyurethane Surfactants for Marine Applications. Journal of Marine Engineering, 15(3), 45-52.
Wang Wu, Zhao Liu. Research on the environmental protection properties of polyurethane surfactants[J]. Environmental Science and Technology, 2021, 44(2): 89-95.
Johnson, R., & Brown, T. (2018). Sustainable Polyurethane Surfactants: A Review. Green Chemistry, 20(7), 1567-1580.

Through the detailed discussion of this article, we can see the widespread application of polyurethane surfactants in marine engineering structures and their key role in sustainable development. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology, polyurethane surfactants will give full play to their unique advantages in more fields and contribute to the sustainable development of marine engineering.