Description
Electrochemistry and Corrosion Division is a part of INTEMA since 1982. The original research lines developed by the Division were orientated to solve local industrial problems, mainly related with corrosion problems in Coastal Power Stations. In parallel, the fundamental aspects associated to the services being provided were also undertaken.
Since 2000, and inspired by the needs of the productive media, other research lines connected to electrochemical processes and materials degradation were initiated. These were related to oil and gas industry, construction, medicine, coatings, biochemistry and photovoltaic solar cells. Besides having a strong link with the productive media, these research lines are enhanced through cooperation programs with other research Institutes and Universities of Latin America and Europe and enable forming highly skilled human resources.
Working lines:
- Corrosion prevention of brass and copper in drinking water by means of inhibitors
- Deposition of semiconductors for low-cost solid-state solar cells
- Protection of reinforcement steel using corrosion inhibitors
- Surface modification of metallic implants for orthopaedic and dentistry.
- Environmentally friendly coatings for industrial purposes.
- Microbiological corrosion. Bio electrochemistry of microorganisms.
- Corrosion inhibition in the oil industry
- Corrosion of copper alloys with shape memory
- Corrosion of plasma nitrured stainless steels
- Development of organic-inorganic electrolytes for secondary lithium batteries in solid state through solution process. Study of the thermodynamic stability of the electrode/electrolyte interfase.
Services:
- Diagnosis and evaluation of corrosion progress in concrete structures.
- Evaluation of coatings applied onto metallic substrates
- Evaluation of corrosion resistance of metallic materials in various process fluids.
- Electrogenic treatment of waste water. R&D in specific processes. Feasibility analysis. Pilot scales development.
- Bioelectrosynthesis. R&D in specific processes. Feasibility analysis. Pilot scale development.
- Bioelectroremediation. R&D in specific processes. Feasibility analysis. Pilot scales development.
- Corrosion failure analysis.
- Selection of corrosion inhibitors.
- Surface modification of stainless steel through plasma assisted treatment to improve corrosion, erosion and erosion –corrosion
- Selection of corrosion resistant materials in contact with molten metals.
