An antifouling strategy has been in commercial use for a decade now whereby "surface treated composites" (STCs) are given an in-water treatment which consists of "conditioning" that markedly improves the surface characteristics, and routine in-water cleaning that removes any marine fouling preferably at an early stage of development. The surface roughness of the coating is thereby reduced, which makes it more difficult for fouling organisms to attach. The in-water conditioning/cleaning can be carried out rapidly and economically. The integrity of the coating is maintained and its frictional properties improve, unlike conventional antifouling and foul-release coatings which need frequent repair/rep lacement. A large number of full-scale applications of STCs show excellent corrosion protection and resistance to fouling, a long service life due to high durability, and significant drag reduction when compared to conventional antifouling methods. Research projects have demonstrated conclusively that commercially available STCs are non-toxic in use and during cleaning. Further research projects have been designed to study whether the standard use of STCs prevents the spread of hull-borne, non-indigenous marine species (NIS) and significantly reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Is the much sought-after, better alternative underwater hull coating system already here?
2013
6 Seiten, 5 Bilder, 22 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
The Space Economy Is Already Here
Springer Verlag | 2021
|Mail - Chrysler's future is already here
Online Contents | 2009
Nissan Cima - the second generation is already here
Kraftfahrwesen | 1991
|Underwater explosion research on ship with polymer hull coating
SAGE Publications | 2015
|Better protection sought for helos, troops in Iraq
Online Contents | 2004