Magnesium Hydride: Investigating Its Capability to Maintain Stable Vapor Film

Abstract

In order to implement timely sustainability solutions, road transportation is gradually transitioning to electric power. However, the maritime sector faces challenges in finding ways to shift towards more sustainable fuel. From the perspective of long-distance shipping, electric transport is economically impractical. Therefore, alternative solutions or proposals contributing to the global reduction of pollutant gas emissions in maritime transport are vitally important. This investigation aims to find solutions that enhance the ecological efficiency of intercontinental cargo ships. In this study, an assessment of a magnesium hydride coating was conducted as it is a prospective coating capable of reducing hydrodynamic resistance to save fuel. Due to MgH2’s ability to release hydrogen at higher temperatures or during a reaction with water, it is expected that this could contribute to an enhancement of the Leidenfrost effect, maintaining a vapor layer on the surface. Samples prepared in situ via reactive magnetron sputtering were submitted to thermal analysis for dehydrogenation range evaluation and the experimental rig for critical (Leidenfrost) temperature identification. In conclusion, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis indicated that the volatile content, primarily hydrogen, in the sample reached approximately 13% by mass. The TG curve exhibited variations in MgH2 mass, with the most significant mass loss occurring at 300 °C. After conducting critical temperature experiments, the potential of MgO coating was observed to be greater than anticipated when compared to the main material, MgH2.