Environmental Impact Assessment of Anti-Corrosion Coating Life Cycle Processes for Marine Applications

Abstract

In the present study, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of uncoated steel and alkyd-coated steel (using the sol–gel method) systems subjected to the marine atmosphere is performed to examine their environmental impacts. The LCA findings demonstrate a notable 46% reduction in the overall environmental impact of the coated system compared to the uncoated system. The findings of the sensitivity analysis indicate that a decreased mean time between repair and maintenance, along with an augmented quantity of coating, results in adverse environmental consequences. Furthermore, the LCA outcomes highlight the significant environmental impacts associated with 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and n-propanol within the coated system. Hence, there is a need for the development of commercial coatings with bio-based products to develop a greener solution.