Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

This project uses surface engineering methods to improve the corrosion resistance of fuel and brake tubes used in automotive fluid delivery systems by fabricating graphene-polymer composites with superhydrophobic surfaces. For the fabrication of textured surfaces with superhydrophobic properties the following methods will be used a) spray deposition; b) mesh templating; c) replication of bio-textures. Textured surfaces with high contact angles will be evaluated for their corrosion resistance using laboratory-scale potentiodynamic polarization, and mass-loss measurements. Industry standard salt-spray tests will also be conducted on a regular basis. The effect of surface morphology, texture patterns on the hydrophobicity and corrosion mechanisms will be examined. The effect of impact damage on corrosion resistance of textured coatings will also be measured. These results, in particular salt-spray test results will be used to make recommendation to produce superhydrophobic coatings for protection of large surfaces suitable for components used in fuel management systems. This will enable Martinrea to continue developing novel, lightweight and cost-effective coatings. The benefits of improved quality of products will be an increase in employment opportunities in the automotive-related industry in Canada and an increase of the competitiveness of this sector in global market place.