We are looking for test methods that simulate long-term microbial exposure and its impact on both coatings and substrates, to better predict the performance of protective coatings and their ability to resist microbially induced corrosion and/or biodeterioration over extended periods.

We are interested in developing a standard method that goes beyond existing tests by addressing the full complexity of microbially induced corrosion (MIC), biodeterioration and environmental factors in a more integrated way. The goal is to use this test to drive continuous improvements in coating development as more performance data is gathered.

Solutions of interest:

• Multi-parameter test chambers that simulate both microbial and environmental conditions, including temperature, pressure, moisture, and salinity, to predict long-term coating performance while distinguishing between microbial-induced and abiotic corrosion.
• Biofilm and material deterioration hybrid assays that measure not only biofilm growth but also its direct impact on material deterioration, linking microbial activity to corrosion under field-like conditions.
• Accelerated corrosion tests that adapt current state-of-the-art accelerated corrosion cabinet standards to include controlled microbial exposure, ensuring that both microbial activity and environmental stress factors are taken into account.
• A new standard testing method that simulates microbially induced corrosion and environmental degradation separately, allowing for isolated and combined analysis of microbial and abiotic factors influencing coating performance.
• Corrosion simulation models developed using historical corrosion data and comprehensive field monitoring from industries such as infrastructure and oil & gas, enabling accurate long-term performance prediction (if such data is available from external sources).

Our must-have requirements are:

• Replicates varied environmental conditions in a controlled lab setting.
• Simulates multi-species microbial exposure, accounting for microorganisms commonly found in target environments.
• Provides quantifiable data on both microbial activity and material deterioration, to assess corrosion rates and microbial resistance of coatings.

Our nice-to-have's are:

• Replicates long-term exposure in an accelerated time frame for faster results.
• Differentiates between MIC/biodeterioration and other forms of deterioration caused by abiotic factors (e.g. erosion, uniform corrosion, galvanic corrosion, etc.).
• Supports post-failure analysis by providing insights into potential corrosion mechanisms based on simulated lab results.
• Integration with predictive modeling tools for future performance forecasting.
• Standard test organisms known to reliably provide MIC/biodeterioration of control materials and coatings.

What's out of scope:

• Technologies for corrosion detection and monitoring, such as probes, sensors, or gauges.
• Solutions focused on developing or improving protective coatings.
• Methods focused solely on detecting the presence or quantity of microbes in a sample.
• Approaches aimed at predicting microbial degradation in wood materials.