Anticorrosive materials in a Cuban province, an innovative challenge

Science beyond the search for knowledge to contribute to the country's economy: that seems to be the main idea guiding the efforts of the Center for Anticorrosives and Surfactants ( CEAT by its Spanish acronym) belonging to the University of Matanzas (UM) in western Cuba, with a high level in the substitution of imports.
From plants in the energy sector, such as the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant, to collecting entities of the oil industry attest to the quality of the productions of this development and innovation unit, especially its line to combat the effects of corrosion in metals.

It is not surprising that inventiveness advances as a function of development in the academy where Cuba's first scientific and technological park was created and where there is also a Center for Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing Studies, with notable contributions to the biomedical branch and industry.

Harold Garcia Betancourt, the young director of CEAT, says he feels optimistic, because other opportunities are opening up for his team with the creation of a new state-owned MSME, recently approved, which will allow establishing mechanisms to finance productions and increase volumes according to demand.

He adds that the constitution of the economic actor, under the name Atenum, will not mean deviating from its original mission of doing science; it will represent a turning point and from now on it will also be possible to fairly stimulate workers for their contribution, in addition to improving equipment.

In view of the tense economic situation in the country, worsened by the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States, the work of this institution is especially relevant, mainly the production of products for cleaning structures and their subsequent conservation.
Among the products most in demand among companies and the population is the family of phosphate solutions such as Distin 504, which are used for cleaning metal affected by corrosion, Garcia Betancourt indicated.

Another line is that of conservation greases (Distin 314), which act as a coating to protect exposed metal, and polymer-modified asphalt mastics, soft elements for joints between metals or with mortar, says the Ceat director, where polishing waxes are also produced to extend the useful life of paint.

No less important are surfactants: additives that, by varying the properties of concrete and mortars, make it possible to accelerate or delay setting times, and even make it possible to reduce the use of cement in construction by 15 % without losing strength.
There are many perspectives for the application of the solutions provided by the Center of Anticorrosives and Surfactants of the University of Matanzas, whose team has grown from its first steps in the modest pilot plant of the university, and today pursues higher and higher goals.