Lignin-vegetable oil oleogels toward fully green, sustainable, self-healing, wear resistant, anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coating

Project team: Paul Christakopoulos, Leonidas Matsakas, Ulrika Rova

Partners: Yijun Shi (project Leader), Machine Elements, Chalmers; KTH

Duration: 2023-2025

Funded by Formas

Corrosion, fouling, and wear have far-reaching implications for our society, often occurring simultaneously and mutually influencing each other. Currently available anti-fouling and anti-corrosion coatings often contain toxic or heavily polluting elements, leading to significant environmental pollution and human health concerns. Moreover, these commercial coatings have a limited service life due to mechanical damages, such as wear, which can be effectively addressed through the development of self-healing coatings.

Lignin, a byproduct of plant extraction industries, offers a great potential as a component for wear-resistant, anti-corrosion, and anti-fouling coatings. This project aims to create environmentally friendly coatings by transforming lignin and vegetable oil into oleogels. These innovative coatings will serve as sustainable alternatives, replacing toxic and fossil-based substances. We will elucidate the chemical interactions between lignin and vegetable oils and define the conditions under which the coatings present optimal structure and performance. Additionally, we will investigate corrosion, fouling and wear processes to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms and enhance the anti-corrosion, anti-fouling and anti-wear properties of the coatings.