The fouling of surfaces exposed to an aquatic environment is a serious problem. Fouling can inhibit the performance of marine vessels (significantly increasing fuel usage) and can lead to the spread of unwanted organisms to non-indigenous harbors having a devastating effect on local ecosystems. Many commercially available antifouling and biocidal coatings have been linked to environmental problems (for example toxins from paint flakes). NDSU scientists have developed proprietary and novel silicone-based compounds which incorporate tethered biocide moieties and which can be used in coating formulations to prevent or reduce fouling by marine life and related substances on ship surfaces.
GREEN TECHNOLOGY! Tethering of biocide may reduce leaching of hazardous chemicals. NDSU anti-fouling coatings improve fuel economy for marine vessels. -Prevent or reduce fouling of ship hulls and other surfaces by aquatic organisms. -Effective anti-fouling properties.