Adhesive Films for Anti-fouling?

[MerlinBrasil]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had any experience, anecdotal or otherwise, on this latest anti-fouling solution.

Micanti is one of the potential vendors and https://www.google.com.br/search?q=a...tifouling+film was my base search. And https://www.youtube.com/results?q=an...+adhesive+film was my YouTube search.

Seems to tick most of the relevant boxes.

Any thoughts?

Best,
Merlin

[Orion Jim]

Interesting development. It'll be interesting to see where they are in 10 years. Only the market can determine if this product has value.

[MerlinBrasil]

Yes indeed. Quite interesting.

I was hoping this question would hit the daily news email to engender more interest and points of view.

The market can't decide until it's made aware of these new technologies

[SV DestinyAscen]

Very interesting - unfortunately the shipping industry is extremely conservative, so we'll probably see it whether it works or not in five years time. There are Japanese anti-fouling paints that now utilize a barnacle neurotransmitter that prevents larva from attaching.

We're living in interesting times.

[SoundOfSilence]

Very interesting yes! I wonder what the application price would be compared to normal anti fouling paint?

[valhalla360]

Interesting theory but the website has a big red flag.


For a totally new product, they dance around actually stating what it is and how it works. It appears to be a plastic sheet that adheres to the hull but they never come out and actually state that. Not being willing to come out and state what the product is and how it works in clear simple language is a big red flag for me.


Might be wrong. In 5-10yrs, this may make bottom paint obsolete but I'm not ready to put my money down when they won't state exactly what they do.

[SoundOfSilence]

Originally Posted by SoundOfSilence

Very interesting yes! I wonder what the application price would be compared to normal anti fouling paint?

I found this so interesting that I wrote them an e-mail, we'll see what they say...

[SoundOfSilence]

Originally Posted by SoundOfSilence

I found this so interesting that I wrote them an e-mail, we'll see what they say...

I immediately got this answer:

"Dear Sir/Madam,

Until Monday 8 August I will be out of office. During these days I won't be able to reply on your messages, unfortunately.

For urgent matters, please reach me on my cell Phone: +31 6 46764220

Best regards,

Robert de Ruiter."



Maybe he is out sailing?

[SoundOfSilence]

From Maritime Journal:

Maritime Journal | Fighting fouling with fibres

I think I would be willing to give it a try, if the price is reasonable that is. After all, there is not much to lose here. And it would be fantastic if it worked

[four winds]

Actually if you read the home page, It states exactly what it is and how it works in very simple language.

Micanti

And provides "read more" links to, I assume, more detailed information. Going back to read more now.

[four winds]

Also called Thorn-D, maybe use that term for searching also.

Seems it's a nylon and polyester microfiber film attached by a two part water soluble adhesive.

Provides a physical barrier to growth.

Has little fibers waving around in the water.

Research started 12 years ago.

Investment funding began in earnest one year ago to begin production for global markets.

Originally used on fishing nets successfully. Allowing them to remain in the water for five years.

Initial results on large ships appears promising.

This recent article on tommorow's antifouls ( Antifoul alternatives - Sailing Today ) lists it as in production, not available today as shown for other products.

A fellow put it on one rudder of his cat and after 6.5 months said it worked as well, maybe better, than the Jotun. A month later a line snagged the rudder and ripped the film. So he removed it.

So it seems it's to early to tell. Hard to find as well I think.

[Cottontop]

I'm surprised there's not more interest in this stuff. I searched the internet and didn't find much, but here's one interesting article from 2013. Has a photo of a test patch that is pretty compelling. Says it costs 40€/m2 (2013). Doesn't say if that includes application.

Micanti markets non-toxic, anti-fouling film | Yacht & Coast

[SoundOfSilence]

Monday Mr. Robert de Ruiter will be back in his office, it will be interesting to see if he answers the e-mail I sent them

[barnakiel]

Super cool! I will try it out when I can!

b.

[MerlinBrasil]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Super cool! I will try it out when I can!

b.

Great. Please update here as you find more info on prices and, hopefully, experiences with it.

Best,
Merlin