With the construction of a new digester complex for a Williston, North Dakota, USA wastewater treatment plant, it was imperative that the walls and pipes be properly insulated. Unfortunately, the insulation and pipe wrapping line item was accidentally missed on the bid.

The polymer, which might someday be used as construction or repair material or for protective coatings, continuously converts the greenhouse gas into a carbon-based material that reinforces itself, according to the researchers. This “self-healing material,” designed to mimic the absorption properties of green plants, has potential applications in a variety of construction and protective coatings projects.

Industry panelists share their predictions on where the corrosion industry is going in the next 25 years and beyond by predicting the corrosion control developments of the future. For Part 2 of this series, the featured panelist is Fred Goodwin, head of BASF Construction Chemicals Global Corrosion Competency Center.