Surface Properties of Coatings Based on Iron Amino-Functionalized Oxides Deposited on DH 36 Steel Plates for Shipbuilding

The development of eco-friendly paint formulations is part of the transition process to more sustainable materials, which involves many industries such as offshore and shipbuilding, where the deterioration of steel in seawater is a key factor. This article aims to produce innovative coatings and test their protective action on DH 36 steel plates. SiO2 and TiO2 were modified with amino groups and iron sites to be used as filler for the design of ecological paint formulations The antimicrobial features of both NH2 groups and iron ionic species were combined with the chemical and mechanical stability of silica and titania, with silica-based powders showing increased efficacy. The surface properties of the resulting coatings were examined by determination of thickness, water wettability, roughness, and cross-cut adhesion tests (before and after a degradation test in seawater according to ASTM D870-97 standards). Preliminary tests of the microbiological activity of the iron amino functionalized materials were carried out to monitor, as proof of concept, the growth of some bacterial strains through measurements of optical density. The findings indicate that these coatings not only provide effective corrosion protection but are promising for enhancing the durability and environmental performance of steel surfaces exposed to marine environments.