Ships are the backbone of the global economy. They transport over 90% of worldwide trade, and cruises generate significant revenue for the travel industry. With over 90,000 ships navigating the world's oceans daily, protecting their exteriors is essential. The constant exposure to saltwater demands effective corrosion protection to extend the ships' lifespan. Building a new ship requires about 70,000 kilograms of paint to shield the metal surfaces from the sea's aggressive influences. Therefore, shipbuilders seek durable and reliable coatings that meet high demands and secure their investment in the fleet.
SALT, WATER, AIR
Whether it's a "Made in Asia" container ship or a luxury liner from a European shipyard, all ships traversing the seven seas share one thing in common: crucial components are made of steel, such as the ship's outer hull.
These parts are continuously exposed to the aggressive properties of salt in both water and air. Without effective corrosion protection, the ship would suffer significant damage in a short time.
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Modern coating systems form a robust barrier between water and steel structures. These coatings also protect ship propellers and structures like oil platforms and buoys from corrosion in seawater. The better the protection and the quicker the ship can return to service, the more economical the new protective layer is for the shipping company.
Coatings are complex chemical structures, consisting of more than 20 components: from binders and additives to pigments. While pigments give the paint its color, binders ensure it adheres optimally to the surface.
The most commonly used binders are epoxy resins, which offer excellent corrosion protection and high scratch and impact resistance. Typically, the paint is delivered in separate containers: one for the epoxy resin and one for the hardener. Both components are mixed just before application.
In ship maintenance, it's important that the material is easy to work with. A high-quality paint should adhere well and be applied evenly.
After application, it should cure and dry quickly so the ship can be ready for use as soon as possible. The hardener plays a central role in this, accounting for about ten to twenty percent of the total formulation's weight.
Quick drying even in cold conditions
With Ancamine® 2844, Evonik introduces a highly functional hardener that offers numerous advantages for multi-component applications. One of its most significant benefits is the extremely fast drying time, even at low temperatures down to 5°C, making it ideal for winter coatings. This allows for faster processing times and increased productivity. Additionally, the new product provides an excellent surface appearance with a high-quality, glossy finish. The hardener combines low viscosity and a low proportion of hardener in the formulation with a high solids content, which makes it easier to handle. It also offers high chemical and corrosion resistance with 3000 hours of salt spray resistance.
