Superhydrophobic Paint Video - Bottom Paint Application ?

[sdowney717]

Watch the stuff just slide off in that video.
This coating maintains a layer of air against the surface and can not be wetted, so nothing sticks. And they say that includes oils.

They mention they did a saltwater underwater test and the coating maintained its superhydrophobicity for a year.
Superhydrophobic Coatings | Corrosion Control & Waterproof Coatings | NeverWet

Could this be a basis for a new type of bottom paint where nothing could stick to the hull?

[James S]

Hmmm...
If the hull is submerged in the water...seems like the water will still have some contact with the hull...hmmmm?

[sdowney717]

the coating has a layer of air entrapped so the hull does not get wet.

Mean the hull underwater stays dry.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by sdowney717

the coating has a layer of air entrapped so the hull does not get wet.

Mean the hull underwater stays dry.

looks like ya get moths,cockroaches and spiders instead of barnacles

[James S]

Originally Posted by sdowney717

the coating has a layer of air entrapped so the hull does not get wet.

Mean the hull underwater stays dry.

Trapped how... as we know, "air" is lighter than water.
So there must be some way of encapsulating the air and that is something is other than air...is that something not going to collect growth?

[webejammin]

I caught that it can be submerged to 100 ft for an hour, I wonder if it looses affect under pressure like splashing to weather on a bow. I hope they make a 5 year bottom paint.

Would this stuff reduce the wetted surface of a boat ?? if painted on the hull. Would it be too slick and loose side friction thru the water?

[atoll]

since there will all ways be humidity in the air when painting the bottom,plus moisture trapped in any non metalic surface how is the stuff ever going to stick to an essentially wet surface?

[fstbttms]

The coating does not seem to provide "waterproofness" for an extended period. Does not seem likely to become an anti fouling coating.

[Katiusha]

Looks like this stuff is more similar to Hyspeedkote - a hydrophobic, i.e. super-smooth, coating. NeverWet website doesn't specify marine as one of their applications, so most likely it doesn't work under water (or they haven't tested it yet).
Might be an interesting coating for dodgers, windows, and port holes.

[Capt.K]

I've been researching this for a few weeks with the same idea. I'm curious if the lifespan could be extended by using an epoxy coat (2000E) as a primer. Here's another similar product which specifically mentions antifouling properties: HIREC: Super Hydrophobic Coating for Antenna, Radome, and Dish Applications. I may give it a try this summer if I can get my hands on some. If I find myself passing J24's in light air than I'll know it's working.

[sdowney717]

liquipel has a super hydrophobic coating for electronics.
If you watch the video, it can also be used on laptops etc...
a vacuum is created and they gassify the substance and it coats every area of the item.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ter-76115.html

[Drew K]

I know this is an old thread, but in case anybody wants to know as I understand hydrophobic materials use chemistry to work. The net charge of a water molecule is repelled by the net charge of the hydrophobic material.

My sailboat is on a lake where blisters are more of a problem than barnacles and I am hoping to find a hydrophobic material that can be applied to the gel coat to prevent blisters. Has anyone heard of such a product?

Drew K