Eurostars: Pruebas en entorno marino de recubrimientos cerámicos vitrificados por láser contra corrosión, incrustaciones y degradación UV

A Spanish start-up developing laser-vitrified SiO2-based ceramic coatings for steel structures exposed to marine conditions (e.g. offshore wind monopiles and ship hulls) is seeking public and private partners to carry out testing campaigns in real and simulated marine environments. The objective is to assess the coatings’ resistance to corrosion, biofouling, UV radiation and accelerated ageing, as well as to compare their environmental performance in terms of microplastic leaching against conventional coatings.

Spanish start-up seeks partners for marine environment testing of sustainable laser-vitrified ceramic coatings against corrosion, fouling and UV degradation.

The company is developing an innovative vitrification process that transforms water-borne ceramic coatings into a dense, glass-like protective layer on steel surfaces using laser energy. This process eliminates organic binders and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), preventing microplastic release and improving corrosion and fouling resistance in harsh marine environments. The technology has been demonstrated at laboratory scale and aims to provide a sustainable alternative to polymeric paint systems traditionally used in offshore wind, maritime and coastal infrastructure. The coating system is based on a SiO2 matrix that is vitrified by laser at high speed, forming a fully inorganic protective layer with excellent adhesion to steel. Key performance parameters include: • resistance to corrosion (ISO 9227 / ISO 20340), • biofouling accumulation under static and dynamic immersion, • UV and thermal ageing (QUV tests), and • microplastic leaching and eco-toxicity. The project focuses on validating this coating technology under different marine exposure conditions, both in laboratory and real-sea environments. To characterize and benchmark the performance of the laser-vitrified coatings in diverse marine scenarios, in order to generate robust technical data, enhance international visibility, and build credibility among stakeholders and certification entities. • Conduct marine immersion and accelerated ageing tests under different climatic and environmental conditions. • Quantify corrosion, fouling and UV degradation compared to conventional coatings. • Assess microplastic leaching and environmental impact reduction. • Promote the technology within European maritime and offshore wind sectors through joint testing campaigns and dissemination. The company seeks collaboration with entities capable of performing or hosting: Seawater immersion tests (static or dynamic) in ports, test tanks or marine facilities. Accelerated ageing and corrosion tests (salt spray, cyclic, QUV). Fouling growth evaluation and surface characterization. Environmental impact studies, including microplastic leaching and toxicity analysis. Potential partners include R and D centres, universities, testing laboratories, ports, shipyards, and certification or inspection bodies interested in participating in comparative evaluation or technology validation. Advantages and innovation The proposed coating technology represents a breakthrough in the field of surface protection for marine and offshore applications. Unlike conventional polymeric paints, it provides: • Fully inorganic protection based on SiO2 vitrification, free of organic binders and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). • No microplastic release during application, use or ageing, ensuring a neglectable environmental footprint. • High hardness (64 Hrc), UV and abrasion resistance, improving the durability of steel structures exposed to seawater. • Enhanced corrosion and fouling resistance, minimizing maintenance and lifecycle costs. • The process consists in a single vitrified layer, simplifying application and reducing process time. • Compatibility with existing industrial surface preparation and laser-based manufacturing processes. The collaboration will enable the characterization of this new coating technology in different marine exposure scenarios, generating comparative data on corrosion, fouling and ageing behaviour. These results will support international visibility, the creation of trust among certification bodies, OEMs and shipyards, and the progressive adoption of more sustainable coating systems in the maritime and offshore sectors. Technical Specification or Expertise Sought The company is looking for partners with technical capabilities or facilities to perform or host testing and evaluation of coating materials under marine or accelerated ageing conditions. Specifically, the collaboration should allow: Seawater exposure tests, either static or dynamic, in coastal sites, test tanks or port infrastructures. • Accelerated corrosion and ageing tests, such as salt spray (ISO 9227), cyclic corrosion (ISO 20340) or UV ageing (QUV). • Biofouling resistance evaluations, including comparative performance against conventional coatings. • Environmental impact assessment, focused on microplastic leaching, chemical stability and ecotoxicity. Preferred partners include testing laboratories, research centres, universities, ports, shipyards, and certification or inspection bodies with interest in advanced materials for the maritime and offshore sectors. The collaboration may take the form of joint testing campaigns, sample evaluation, access to facilities, or research cooperation. Such collaborations may be developed within the framework of national or European funding programmes, but participation does not require external funding and can be arranged directly between the parties. Framework program Eureka Call title and identifier Eurostars Submission and evaluation scheme Anticipated project budget Coordinator required No Deadline for EoI Deadline of the call 8 Mar 2026