An Approach for the Prediction of Blistering on Polymer–Steel Lining Systems Exposed to an Aqueous Environment

Abstract

Blistering is a serious problem for a polymeric lining system because is causes delamination, breakage of the lining layer, etc., leading to a reduction/loss of the corrosion protection. The prediction of blistering is a challenging task and is of great significance in practice. In this paper, a model established for the prediction of blistering on a polymer–steel lining system is presented. The model is based on the concept that a blister occurs if its blistering energy exceeds the adhesion energy of the lined polymer. Several lining systems (polyethylene–steel and fluoropolymer–steel) were selected for evaluation of the model. Experimental data showed that the model can be applied to predict the osmotic blistering when a polymeric lining system works under an aqueous environment.