Rare Earth Elements in Steel Coating Application: Prospects and Challenges
Introduction
Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential components of many high-tech materials, yet they are often overlooked due to their wide dispersal in various products. As most of the world’s REE deposits are located in China, the demand for these metals has been continuously increasing due to the expansion of their industrial uses. In this article, we review the prospects and challenges of applying REE-based coatings to steel products, including their suitability, cost, challenges and potential applications.
Suitability
REEs are suitable for use in steel coatings for a number of reasons. Firstly, their unique physical and chemical properties make them optimal for forming thin films of coating on a wide range of surfaces. The chemical composition of REEs allows them to form strong, tough and wear resistant coatings, which are durable and efficient in protecting steel from corrosion and wear. Secondly, the low proportion of impurities present in REE-based coatings allows for better adhesion and improved bonding on steel surfaces. This improved adhesion prevents wear and enhances the durability of the steel surfacing.
Cost
The cost of REE-based coatings is potentially one of their biggest advantages. Due to the low cost of REEs, they are able to be applied to steel products in large quantities at significantly lower cost than other elements. The cost of REE-based coatings is further reduced by their long physical life as well as their low maintenance requirements. This means that the cost of periodic maintenance and re-coating is greatly reduced compared to other coatings, making them a viable option for steel product manufacturers.
Challenges
The application of REE-based coatings poses a number of challenges that should be considered before attempting such a procedure. Firstly, the rate of corrosion on steel surfaces is higher when REEs are used, therefore proper corrosion resistant materials should be employed. Additionally, the application of REE-based coatings can be difficult, due to their low melting point, and can thus require additional tools and techniques to achieve satisfactory results. In addition, the possibility of REE leaching into the environment must be taken into account as these elements can be harmful if released in high concentrations.
Potential applications
Although REEs are still being researched, their use in steel coatings has already shown promising results. REEs are particularly suitable for use in the coating of steel structures, and have been found to offer improved corrosion protection compared to traditional methods. Additionally, because of their unique properties, REEs may be able to facilitate the development of innovative coating techniques such as electroless deposition or cold spray coatings. These techniques could improve the quality and longevity of steel coatings, as well as increase their efficiency in protecting the steel from corrosion.
Conclusion
REEs have the potential to revolutionize the steel coating industry, as their unique properties make them suitable for use as a wide range of coatings. Despite the challenges associated with their use, the cost of REE-based coatings and the potential applications they offer make them a worthwhile investment for steel product manufacturers. Therefore, despite the current cost and technological challenges, REEs appear to be presenting a very promising option for increasing the efficiency and durability of steel coatings.
