LEAF - Low Emission AntiFouling coatings based on the novel discovered post settlement penetration triggered antifouling
Overview
Background & policy context:
Marine biofouling can be defined as the colonisation of man-made surfaces in seawater by microscopic and macroscopic organisms. This phenomenon can result in great loss of function and effectiveness both for cruising ships and for static constructions. Of special concern is the negative effects of hard foulers such as barnacles, which cause:
- increased drag resistance resulting in up to 40% increases fuel consumption
- disruption of the corrosion protective layer of marine vessels and constructions
Current antifouling technologies are based either on release of biocides or on low-adhesion coatings, e.g. silicone based coatings. Present biocide-based strategies are based on a continuous exposure of biocides at the film/water interface and consequently release into the environment if the antifouling efficacy is to be maintained.
Objectives:
Existing biocide-based solutions are not regarded as sustainable. Low adhesion coatings suffer from drawbacks of low durability and associated high material and maintenance costs. Therefore, there is currently no sustainable and cost-efficient solution available on the market today to minimize the costly and environmentally important problem of marine biofouling of marine vessels and constructions.
Methodology:
A novel method will be elaborated in order to deal with hard fouler such as barnacles. This approach is not based on the exposure and release of biocide into the water. Instead it is based on the direct contact between biocide residing inside a coating and fouling organisms such as the barnacles.
The technical challenge is to find the optimal combination of biocide/coating matrix in order to completely eliminate the release of biocides. Expected impacts of the project are: lower fuel consumption, lower dispersion of biocide, reduced maintenance cost and longer life time (economical aspects) together with, reduced accumulation in the system of biocides and CO2 and reduced alien species transportation by ships.
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