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Polyurea resin coatings show durability against aggressive sewage chemicals
A study on polyurea resin coatings reveals their resistance to sulphuric acid, phenol, and urea in wastewater environments, highlighting their suitability for protecting concrete structures in sewage treatment plants.
Researchers have assessed the durability of polyurea resin coatings exposed to aggressive chemical solutions commonly found in sewage treatment environments. These solutions included sulphuric acid (1 % and 10 %), phenol (0.1 % and 1 %), and urea (3 %). Three randomly selected coatings underwent chemical exposure tests for seven and 28 days, with changes in appearance, weight, hardness, and tensile strength evaluated according to EN 868 and EN 527-3 standards.
The study found that phenol had the most significant negative impact on the coatings, causing up to 30 % soaking, a reduction of up to 40 Shore units in hardness, and an 80 % decrease in tensile strength. Urea resulted in hardness reductions of up to 17 Shore units, alongside tensile strength decreases ranging from 10 % to 30 %. Sulphuric acid caused milder changes, including tensile strength reductions of 10 % to 30 % and hardness decreases of up to 14 %.
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Protecting sewage infrastructure
Polyurea resin coatings are widely used in sewage treatment plants due to their chemical resistance, long-lasting durability, and ability to protect concrete structures from aggressive compounds. Their rapid application and drying cycles make them an economical solution for infrastructure exposed to harsh conditions. With lifespans of up to 50 years, these coatings provide reliable protection against chemical degradation and microbiological corrosion in wastewater environments.
Source: Francke, B., Michalak, H., Kula, D., Rutkowska, G., Zięba, W., & Salata, B., Assessment of the durability of polyurea resin coatings against selected aggressive solutions in the sewage infrastructure environment. Scientific Reports, Article 6806 (2026).
