Durable Corrosion Protection at Sea: Ascotec’s Use in Marine Paints

Corrosion protection in marine environments requires systems formulated to resist high levels of salinity, permanent humidity, mechanical abrasion, and continuous exposure to UV radiation. Ascotec, represented and distributed by PROQUINSA (Productos Químicos Industriales S.A.), offers liquid inhibition and coating solutions specifically designed for these highly aggressive conditions.

1. Technical principle of operation

Ascotec liquid corrosion inhibitors are formulated with:

• Passivating inhibitors capable of interfering with the electrochemical mechanisms of corrosion.

• High adhesion resins that ensure mechanical and chemical anchorage, even on wet or splashing surfaces.
• Barrier pigments and lamellar flakes that reduce permeability to water and chloride ions.
• Specialized anti-corrosion additives to improve abrasion, impact, and weather resistance.

The result is a continuous, low-permeability protective film that maintains its integrity under severe thermal, environmental, and mechanical cycling.

2. Relevant technical parameters in marine environments

Ascotec products are designed considering:

• High concentration of chlorides (Cl-), typical of salt spray.
• Submersion and emersion cycles in coastal and harbor structures.
• Galvanic attack on mixed metallic surfaces.
• Mechanical erosion is generated by waves and suspended particles.
• Accelerated UV degradation in permanent exposure environments.

Its performance is validated by tests such as:

• ASTM B117 (salt spray).
• ASTM D4060 (abrasion).
• ASTM D522 (flexibility).
• ASTM D4541 (pull-off adhesion).
• ISO 12944 (C5-M / Im2 classification for severe marine environments).

3. Main technical applications

Ascotec coatings and inhibitors are used in:

• Metal hulls of vessels (fishing, cargo, and recreational).

• Piles, piers, and harbor structures that are subjected to tidal cycles.
• Offshore platforms and equipment for extraction operations.
• Pipelines, manifolds, and subsea lines that are exposed to chloride corrosion.
• Naval equipment (propulsion, steering, encapsulated electronic components).
• Coastal structures that are subjected to permanent humidity and saline wind.

4. Beneficios técnicos del sistema Ascotec

• High resistance to chloride corrosion and C5-M / Im2 environments.

• High durability in prolonged exposure cycles.
• Superior adhesion on carbon steel, alloys, and substrates with mechanical treatment.
• Low permeability to water and corrosive agents.
• Stability against UV radiation and extreme weather.
• Mechanical resistance to abrasion, impact, and waves.
• Compatibility with multilayer systems (primers, intermediates, top coats).
• Efficient application by spray, brush, or roller.
• Reduced corrective maintenance in operation.
• Formulations aligned with current environmental regulations.

5. Technical recommendations for the application

To ensure system performance:

• Surface preparation: cleaning, deoxidation, and anchor profile according to SSPC-SP10 / Sa 2½.

• Environmental conditions: apply according to the temperature and relative humidity ranges recommended by Ascotec.
• Film thickness: Respect the DFT (Dry Film Thickness) specified for each system.
• Curing: Ensure drying and curing times are guaranteed before immersion.
• Inspection: Conduct controls using a thickness gauge, perform adhesion tests, and verify visually.
• Preventive maintenance: scheduled inspections at critical corrosion points and tidal cycles.

Ascotec anticorrosive systems provide a specialized barrier for high-severity marine environments, complying with international guidelines and delivering robust performance in structures exposed to chloride corrosion. Their chemical design, adherence, and mechanical-environmental stability make them a reliable solution for vessels, port infrastructure, and offshore operations. PROQUINSA guarantees technical support, availability, and precise specifications for its correct implementation.