Durable Gradient Liquid-Like Coating via PECVD for Long-Term Pipeline Scale Resistance

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Industrial pipeline scaling reduces efficiency and safety.
• Existing anti-scaling coatings often lack long-term durability.
• Developing robust, environmentally friendly anti-scaling solutions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a durable gradient liquid-like coating (gLLC) for long-term anti-scaling applications.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties and liquid repellency of the gLLC.
• To assess the anti-scaling efficacy and long-term performance of the gLLC against common scale-forming minerals.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of gLLC using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition.
• Characterization of mechanical properties (modulus, hardness) and surface properties (sliding angles).
• Testing anti-scaling performance against CaCO3 and CaSO4 under static and dynamic conditions, including a 90-day recirculation test and oil-water emulsion tests.

Main Results:

• The gLLC exhibits excellent mechanical strength (14.39 GPa modulus, 1.57 GPa hardness) and dynamic liquid repellency (3° hexadecane, 11° water sliding angles).
• Achieved over 75% reduction in scaling mass for CaCO3 and CaSO4.
• Demonstrated sustained performance over 90 days with minimal scale accumulation (1.5 mg cm⁻²).
• Reduced scale deposition by 89% in oil-water emulsions.

Conclusions:

• The developed gLLC offers a scalable, fluorine-free, and environmentally benign strategy for durable anti-scaling surfaces.
• The coating's unique gradient structure and mobile surface chains contribute to its exceptional anti-scaling performance and longevity.
• The gLLC shows significant potential for applications in the petroleum, chemical, and water treatment industries.