Microencapsulation of Biocides for Reduced Copper, Long-life Antifouling Coatings
Abstract
Biofouling on ships causes deleterious effects such as increased drag leading to reduced speed and increased fuel consumption. Controlling biofouling on ships is generally accomplished with biocide-based antifouling (AF) coating systems. As more restrictive environmental regulations are introduced (reduce or eliminate need for cuprous oxide) and as more rigorous service life demands emerge (extend drydocking intervals), the need for a next generation long-life environmentally friendly coating system continues to increase. Sustained and long-term biocide release is critical to effective AF coating performance. Microencapsulation of biocides results in increased biocide loading capacity in coatings as well as reduced and controlled biocide release rates. The biocide 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4- isothiazolin-3-one (DCOIT) has been microencapsulated and incorporated into commercially relevant AF coating systems. Results demonstrate long term coating system efficacy including excellent physical and antifouling performance, and a reduction of and greater control of DCOIT release rates. Controlled release technology in the form of microencapsulation has the potential to fill the performance gap that currently exists between the current and next generation of AF coating systems for the Department of Defense.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA603499
Entities
People
- Elizabeth G. Haslbeck
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division