Abrasion resistance is arguably the most critical performance requirement for cargo hold coatings, particularly for vessels transporting hard, angular bulk cargoes such as iron ore, coal, bauxite, and aggregates. The severe abrasive forces generated during loading and discharge operations can rapidly degrade inferior coating systems, leading to corrosion and costly repairs.

The Abrasion Challenge

Cargo hold coatings used in bulk carriers are subject to highly demanding service conditions, including severe abrasion, particle impact, and repeated cleaning cycles. During loading operations, cargoes are dropped from significant heights, creating high-velocity impacts that can damage coatings. During discharge, the movement of cargo across coated surfaces generates abrasive wear.

Types of Abrasion Damage

Impact Damage
High-velocity particle impacts during loading can cause localized coating damage, exposing bare steel to corrosion.

Sliding Abrasion
The movement of cargo across coated surfaces during discharge generates sliding abrasion that gradually wears away coating material.

Gouging
Large, angular cargo particles can gouge coating surfaces, creating deep scratches that compromise protection.

Advanced Abrasion-Resistant Technologies

Fiber-Reinforced Coatings
Hempadur Ultra-Strength Fibre is engineered with patented fiber technology to withstand the harsh conditions of cargo holds due to superior resistance to abrasion, impact, cracking, and chemical attack.

Glass-Flake Reinforced Systems
Coatings reinforced with chemically resistant lamellar glass flake offer enhanced durability and abrasion protection.

Biphasic Polymer Compositions
PPG SIGMASHIELD PRIME LT is based on bi-phasic polymer composition delivering excellent mechanical, thermal, and corrosion protection with outstanding abrasion and impact resistance.

High-Performance Epoxies
Intershield 803Plus represents the ultimate level of abrasion and impact resistance for cargo holds. Optimized for the most demanding hard cargo such as iron ore and coal, it further extends cargo hold coating life.

Performance Testing

Taber Abrasion Testing
Research has identified certain epoxy and acrylic systems as the most durable materials, exhibiting minimal surface damage and low weight loss during Taber abrasion testing.

Scratch Resistance
Surface damage characterization based on scratch depth and damaged area provides insight into coating durability.

Impact Testing
Coatings are tested for impact resistance to ensure they can withstand the forces of high-speed loading operations.

Product Examples

Application Considerations

Film Thickness
Abrasion-resistant coatings typically require greater film thickness, often 2 × 150µm or more.

Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is essential for achieving maximum abrasion resistance.

Curing Conditions
Optimal curing conditions ensure the development of maximum abrasion resistance.

Economic Benefits

Investing in high-performance abrasion-resistant coatings delivers significant economic benefits:

• Extended coating life between repairs

• Reduced maintenance frequency

• Lower lifecycle costs

• Minimized operational disruption

View Abrasion-Resistant Coating Solutions

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