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Within the paint industry, a coat of paint is just not enough to protect metals against corrosion.
It has always been required a first undercoat or surface pre-treatment
in order to facilitate adhesion.
This preparation involves, in most cases, the cleaning and corrosion of the metal on the one hand,
or the addition of another coat of paint, on the other hand.
In any case, the metal preparation always entails an additional and costly stage.
In order to avoid the pre-treatment and economise on the productive phase,
a group of researchers from the UJI has provided the paints with anti-corrosive properties.
-The objective of the REPARA project is to develop a range of monolayer powder coatings
that replace the traditional paint systems, such as the application of several layers
or the application of paint on previously-treated metal.
In this way, we can remove this stage in the production process of paint
[Montserrat Puig. Researcher at the UJI.]
and obtain the same anti-corrosive and mechanical properties as those of the traditional systems.
-The novelty is in the elements used through three chemically different ways
and the synergy effect that they produce in the paint.
The combination of components makes that, when they interact with each other,
the results are optimised.
-We are applying this project to aluminium, steel and galvanised steel.
They represent more than 99% of the metal used in our everyday life.
[José Javier Gracenea. Researcher at the UJI and manager of MEDCO.]
These metals are found in windows, electrical appliances, lampposts
and other interior and exterior elements.
-The project has been developed within the programme IMPACTO,
of the Spanish Economy and Competitiveness Ministry,
which seeks to promote collaboration between companies and research centres.
In this case, the company with which they collaborate is 'Mediciones y Corrosión', MEDCO,
located in Espaitec, Science and Technology Park at the Universitat Jaume I.
Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit
Communication and Publications Service