new product for bottom anti-fouling

[bobola]

web site here; http://chemistry.nrl.navy.mil/6110/6...exsilicone.php

The fouling of marine vessels is a significant Navy problem. Marine fouling can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20%. Historically, marine antifouling paints have used compounds toxic to marine organisms as a means of combating fouling. The environmental impact of these toxic coatings has come under increased scrutiny. There is increasing concern about the toxic exposure to shipyard workers and the disposal of hazardous waste from antifouling paints removed during ship maintenance and repainting. Also, industrial and municipal facilities have incurred costs due to the clogging of water intake systems. Traditional methods for controlling biofouling of water intakes depend on the use of targeted chlorination.

NRL patented an advanced foul-release coating system called the duplex silicone coating system. This coating system employs a tough, cross-linked thermoplastic elastomeric layer to bond the foul-release silicone topcoat to the anticorrosive layer. The mechanical properties are imparted by this layer, while the topcoat provides the foul-release characteristics. Because they employ a physical rather than chemical means to reduce fouling, these coatings have been ruled exempt from reporting under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA; Public Law 95-396). They do not contain the toxic metals of antifouling paints and comply with anticipated restrictions regarding VOCs well into the next century. Foul-release silicone duplex coatings are compliant with current lead restrictions and contain no carcinogenic compounds.