Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
and evaluate the corrosion processes. Most of the techniques currently available
for monitoring biocorrosion and deterioration of metals and polymers have been
developed based on the material types and the environments they are being applied in
[2]. Various microscopic, spectrochemical, electrochemical, and piezoelectrical analysis
techniques have been used to monitor and study the formation and development
of bioilms, the composition of the microorganisms within bioilms, and/or the
interaction of the bioilms with the environment [6]. All these techniques have their
own advantages, disadvantages and limitations. Theoretical and computational
techniques that can simulate the dynamic process at various time scales have started
slowly emerging in this ield. Their potential has still not been exploited. A good
mathematical model may be able to simulate various scenarios that may not be
possible to create under controlled experimental conditions. Such knowledge could
help in designing materials with tailored properties, predict the fate of material in
various environments and their failure rates. This chapter describes the future trends
in the area of monitoring and for predicting bioilms and biodegradation of polymers
in various environments.
6.1.2 Analytical Tools
A number of techniques have been adopted and employed in industrial plants to
monitor, assess and study biodeterioration and biodegradation, which includes
microscopic, spectrochemical, electrochemical and piezoelectrical analysis techniques.
Some of the techniques have been borrowed from the food industry and medical
technology, and have been quickly modiied to be suitable for monitoring biocorrosion
and degradation [7]. Most of the techniques that have become successful in industry
are those that are eficient, reliable, quick and require minimum skill and cost [7].
6.1.2.1 Polymer Characterisation
Degradation of polymers leads to changes in their chemical, optical, electrical and
surface properties. Some these properties are listed in
Table 6.1
. The main techniques
involved in monitoring the deterioration and degradation of polymers can be divided
into surface and bulk analysis. Surface analysis is more appropriate and suitable when
monitoring the alterations in the initial stage and bulk analysis is more appropriate for
the later stages when there is a large decrease in molecular weight (MW) and increase
in weight loss. There are still gaps in the knowledge about accurately estimating all
the changes taking place in the polymer using the currently available tools. There are
very limited tools that can be used to monitor changes
in situ
(in ield conditions)
and most of the techniques are slow and require time for preparing the sample for
