INSF Calls on Researchers to Offer Coating Solutions for Underground Pipelines

According to a report by Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council (INIC), Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) in line with its objective which aims to support research and researchers has made an announcement titled "Achieving the know-how to produce the coating of pipelines that are buried underground in the soil based on epoxy resin and polyurethane."

Coatings based on polymers are used to maintain and protect metal structures against the corrosion. These composite coatings consist of pigments, fillers, organic and inorganic polymer resins, organic solvents, and special additives. According to the use and application of each type of these coatings, the coatings compounds will be different. Also, the purposes set for each organic coating are also different.

The target coatings in this scientific call need to be able to be created from a single layer while having different physical, mechanical and electrochemical properties. These monolayers are relatively thick and require to meet relevant standards.

These coatings have to meet BS EN 10290 and IGS-M-TP-020 standards and must be able to pass the tests that these standards require. The single layer coatings must successfully meet BS EN 10289 and IGS-M-TP-027 and its technical requirements according to the predetermined tests.

The main challenge of this project is that the coatings not only have to pass the tests listed in the EN 10290 & IGS-M-TP-020 standard, but the different implementation methodology of this product due to its very short gelation time is challenging.

As regards the epoxy coating, the main challenge of the project, in addition to passing all the tests listed in the EN10289 & IGS-M-TP-027 standard, is to have a minimum gelling time to prevent dust and insects from penetrating the coating film, which creates holiday. A holiday is a hole or void in the coating film.

The call (announcement) by the INSF said that there will be a competitive event and the winner research proposals will be awarded finances from the foundation. Among the received proposals, the one that meets the following terms will be prioritized to receive funds:

* The composition of the proposed team should be relevant and match each other.

* The proposed people should have research and relevant technical experience.

* The timing, cost and description of the service should be appropriate and related to the requested research.

* The proposed team should have the necessary infrastructure be it the laboratory or the workshop to conduct their research.

The proposals that are defined in the form of doctoral dissertations and postdoctoral projects will receive extraordinary support. After receiving the proposals through the INSF website (https://rtms.insf.org/), the evaluation is done and if a proposal gains high points, the selected team will be invited to negotiate with the INSF and a relevant company.

According to the INIC report, the deadline for submitting of the proposals is January 20.

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