An Uncomplicated Strategy for a Complex Problem
There exists a critical environmental and economic need for non-toxic marine coatings which effectively control biofouling on vessels and other submerged structures. A feasible approach must be broadly effective but also must not be economically prohibitive or overly complex in its implementation. Dairy fouling during pasteurization is another biofouling problem associated with significant costs and environmental impact stemming from cleaning protocols.
What we are doing:
We are developing surface modifying additives (SMAs) that can be readily blended into silicones and polyurethanes, and upon contact with the aqueous environment, rapidly undergo surface restructuring to afford high antifouling efficacy. Towards this goal, we have developed non-toxic, “PEO-silane amphiphile” SMAs that can boost coating resistance to marine biofoulers and to dairy mixtures.
