Ice Abrasion Tests of Metal Based Coatings

Ice abrasion tests were carried out to evaluate the wear resistance of a number of metallic coatings suggested for use on the Molikpaq in the ice zone during its deployment offshore of Sakhalin Island in the 1990’s. At this site, the structure would be exposed to actively drifting ice for about six months each year during which time the structure would be potentially exposed to extensive ice abrasion near the water surface. The project evaluated two types of coatings, (referred to here as Coating A and B to maintain confidentiality). Tests were also done on stainless steel. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND This paper describes the development of a test method and machine for evaluating the ice abrasion resistance of various coatings. Tests were done to provide technical data intended to aid the selection of an appropriate approach for the Molikpaq, which, at the time, was being readied for service offshore of Sakhalin Island. Past experience has shown that a material’s rate of abrasion by ice depends on the ice pressure, the properties of the coatings and the ambient temperature. The abrasion of concrete due to sea ice has been studied extensively (Nawwar et al, 1986; Itoh, 1988; Hoff, 1989; Huovinen, 1990). However, little information is available on abrasion of metallic coatings due to ice loading. Calabrese (1974; 1976; 1978) studied low-friction non-metallic coatings for icebreakers, and observed that a coating should have low surface energy, or adhesion and friction against ice. His studies were focused on reducing friction to improve the icebreaking performance of ships. The abrasive wear of the coating has two components: (a) indentation or deformation, and; (b) cutting. The deformation wear depends on the hardness and stiffness of the structural component, while the cutting wear depends on the hardness of the coating material. For good Proceedings oh the 18th IAHR International Symposium on Ice (2006)