In the relentless pursuit of sustainable and resilient materials for extreme environments, a team of researchers led by Ievgen Pylypchuk from the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry at Stockholm University has made a significant breakthrough. Their work, published in the journal ‘Small Science’ (translated from Swedish as ‘Small Science’), introduces a novel lignin-based coating that demonstrates exceptional resistance to beta radiation and corrosion, potentially revolutionizing the energy sector’s approach to material protection in harsh conditions.
The study focuses on developing coatings from non-fossil sources, addressing the critical need for radiation-stable materials as humanity ventures into space and explores extreme environments on Earth. Beta radiation can cause significant damage to materials, making the development of resilient, biobased alternatives a priority.
Pylypchuk and his team applied lignin-based coatings to copper substrates and exposed them to 500 kGy electron beam irradiation in air. The results were impressive. Spectroscopic, microscopic, and thermogravimetric analyses confirmed the structural integrity of the coatings post-irradiation. “The aromatic structure of lignin and its thermally triggered cyclization render it stable against chemical chain scission by oxygen radicals formed in atmospheric conditions under radiation exposure,” explained Pylypchuk.
The coatings maintained anticorrosion efficiencies of 99.6% in sulfuric acid and 99.8% in sodium chloride for 61 μm thick films, even after irradiation. Thinner films, around 9.5 μm, showed slightly lower but still remarkable protection at 86.4% and 85.7% in the respective media, with only a 4% performance drop post-irradiation. Notably, the adhesion strength of the coatings improved from 0.28 to 0.49 MPa after irradiation, and the water contact angle decreased from 74° to 66°, indicating an increase in hydrophilicity.
The superior performance of thicker films in anticorrosion tests is attributed to better morphological integrity, which reduces the penetration of corrosive agents. This research demonstrates the viability of lignin-based coatings as radiation-stable and environmentally sustainable solutions for protecting metal surfaces in harsh environments.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. In environments where corrosion and radiation resistance are critical, such as nuclear power plants, offshore wind farms, and space exploration, these coatings could extend the lifespan of materials and reduce maintenance costs. “This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for using biobased materials in extreme conditions, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based coatings,” said Pylypchuk.
As the world seeks to balance technological advancement with environmental sustainability, innovations like these lignin-based coatings pave the way for a future where resilience and eco-friendliness go hand in hand. The research published in ‘Small Science’ not only highlights the potential of lignin but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges.