Development of Environmentally Benign Nonfouling Self-polishing Coatings for Long Term Applications
Abstract
The objective of this project is to develop environmentally friendly nontoxic self polishing polymer coatings that last 3, 7 and 12 years. The commercially available antifouling paints are toxic due to copper oxides and other biocides added. The commercially available fouling release coatings are inherently hydrophobic and they tend to foul under static conditions. Thus, not only the economic costs of hull fouling, but also the environmental concerns from the toxic coatings have been the driving force behind the development of next-generation fouling-control technologies. For self-polishing coatings good self-polishing is essential for stagnant nonfouling behaviors, and good bulk stability is vital for long-term service. The proposed materials have unique advantages -combining appropriate hydrolysis and necessary hydrophobicity that are hard to combine by other means. The faster hydrolysis results in faster self-polishing and higher hydrophobicity results in excellent bulk stability. We have encouraging results for a few materials. It is expected that all the SPC coatings with these materials showed "low fouling" and "high fouling release" due to nonfouling and self-polishing behaviors. The unique architecture of the coatings extends the advantages of nonfouling and bulk stability. These new coatings will meet the long-term goal of the ONR marine coatings program to develop environmentally benign and nonfouling self-polishing coatings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312175
Entities
People
- Harihara Subramanian Sundaram
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy