Anti-fouling system for an underwater surface of a floating body or watercraft and the application method and use thereof

Abstract

Anti-fouling system (2) for an underwater surface (4) of a floating body or watercraft, comprising a corrosion protection layer (6) which is applied to an underwater surface (4), and an anti-fouling film (8) arranged adjacent to the corrosion protection layer (6) and connected to the corrosion protection layer (6), which film has an anti-fouling silicone layer (16), characterized in that - the silicone layer (16) comprises or consists of an antifouling silicone, wherein the antifouling silicone comprises an amphiphobic block polymer.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an anti-fouling system for an underwater surface of a floating body or watercraft having the further features according to the preamble of claim 1 as well as a method for applying the anti-fouling system, a method for renewing the anti-fouling system and the use of the anti-fouling system.

[0002] Antifouling systems, also known as antifouling systems, are known from the state of the art and are used on the underwater surfaces of floating bodies, such as buoys, or watercraft, such as ships, to prevent or delay the growth of algae or other plants on the underwater surfaces.

[0003] Antifouling systems known from the prior art are typically applied to an underwater surface after pretreatment of the underwater surface to be protected, in several layers using different coating materials. While these prior art methods have generally proven suitable for reducing fouling, they have a number of disadvantages.

[0004] DE 10 2011 050 433 A1 relates to a web-shaped film for an anti-fouling coating of an underwater outer surface of a watercraft. US 10 214 667 B2 relates to a self-adhesive underwater film. US 2021 / 0 363 387 A1 relates to an anti-fouling film. WO 2008 / 049 929 A1 relates to a method for coating a hull.

[0005] Firstly, applying the various layers to build up the antifouling protection is time-consuming, as each subsequent layer can typically only be applied after the previously applied layer has completely dried. Furthermore, complex protective measures must be taken before applying conventional antifouling systems, such as separating the object to be coated, protecting the surrounding area, such as the ground, and usually also extensive disposal measures for waste products. Furthermore, depending on the materials used, solvent emissions may occur, which is undesirable.Even after the initial application of such antifouling systems, further challenges arise in that system repairs are only possible in a dock and after a few years, approximately two years for passenger ships, a complete rebuild of the antifouling system is necessary, which is again cumbersome and time-consuming.

[0006] Against this background, the invention was based on the object of developing an anti-fouling system of the type described above in such a way that the disadvantages identified in the prior art are eliminated as far as possible. In particular, the objective was to provide an anti-fouling system that can be applied within a shorter time, can be renewed more quickly, and also allows for better repairability of the underwater surface.

[0007] According to the invention, the object is achieved in a fouling-repellent system of the type mentioned at the outset by the features of claim 1.

[0008] The invention leverages the discovery that a number of advantages can be realized by combining a corrosion protection layer with an antifouling film. Firstly, the system application time can be significantly reduced compared to the prior art described above. After pretreating the underwater surface, only the corrosion protection layer needs to be applied and the antifouling film must be waited for to cure before the antifouling film can be applied to the corrosion protection layer, especially immediately after the corrosion protection layer has cured.

[0009] This means fewer work steps are required and less time is spent. Furthermore, no complex protective measures, such as individual parts, are required for application, and there are no process restrictions due to solvent emissions. Furthermore, the film is generally removable from the corrosion protection layer, making repairs easier. For example, repairs can be carried out above water at any time, preventing rust from forming in the event of system damage. Furthermore, the film can be reactivated, repaired, or replaced at regular intervals, approximately every two years for passenger ships. Once the film has been removed, the corrosion protection layer can be easily repaired if necessary.

[0010] In contrast to previously known systems from the state of the art, the film is not hazardous waste, nor is the growth adhering to the film. Furthermore, it offers hydrodynamic advantages over conventional silicone paint coatings, resulting, for example, in fuel savings and reduced CO2 emissions compared to conventional antifouling systems. Furthermore, it has been shown that underwater growth detaches itself from the antifouling film, particularly at flow velocities of approximately three knots or more. Furthermore, no chemical substances are released into the water, and there is no contact with the underwater surface, for example, the underwater hull. Therefore, a paint buildup on the underwater hull is generally not necessary when replacing the film.

[0011] The silicone layer provides the desired anti-fouling properties, exhibits self-cleaning properties, particularly when water flows along the surface at a speed of approximately 3 knots or more, and also has hydrodynamic advantages, such as a reduction in frictional resistance of up to 14% and a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of up to 12% compared to previously known anti-fouling systems.

[0012] The invention is further developed in that the anti-fouling film has the following layers: an adhesive layer which is arranged adjacent to the corrosion protection layer and creates an adhesive bond with the corrosion protection layer, a base layer for stabilizing the anti-fouling film which is arranged adjacent to the adhesive layer and is bonded to it, a primer base layer for providing an adhesion surface for a silicone layer, wherein the primer base layer is arranged adjacent to the base layer and bonded to it, and a silicone layer which is arranged adjacent to the primer base layer and bonded to it. Such a design of the anti-fouling film has proven to be particularly application-friendly with regard to rapid and low-emission application of the film. Furthermore, the silicone layer in particular improves the hydrodynamic properties.The film has also proven to be durable, reactivatable and resistant.

[0013] The anti-fouling film is preferably biocide-free and / or non-toxic. According to a preferred embodiment, the anti-fouling film has a removable protective film on the outside and adjacent to the silicone layer, which is designed and configured to be removed after application of the anti-fouling film. The protective film is designed as a one-sidedly siliconized polyethylene protective film. The protective film serves as a processing aid and as surface protection and can be easily removed after application of the anti-fouling film.

[0014] Preferably, the underwater surface is formed from steel, aluminum, or purified zinc, wherein the corrosion protection layer is designed to form a permanent bond with the underwater surface. According to a preferred embodiment, the corrosion protection layer has a thickness of 200 µm to 300 µm and / or wherein the corrosion protection layer has a mass per unit area of ​​200 g / m 2 up to 325 g / m 2 in particular 270 g / m 2 . Such a design of the corrosion protection layer has proven to be particularly suitable for providing reliable corrosion protection on the one hand and for minimising the use of materials on the other.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the corrosion protection layer is formed as a two-component epoxy resin coating, wherein a first component of the two-component epoxy resin coating is an epoxy and a second component of the two-component epoxy resin coating is an amine. The antifouling system preferably has a total thickness of up to 600 µm. According to a preferred embodiment, the adhesive layer comprises an acrylate underwater adhesive with a basis weight of 60 g / m². 2 up to 75 g / m 2 on or consists of and / or wherein a layer thickness of the adhesive layer is 56 µm to 84 µm, preferably 70 µm.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the base layer comprises or consists of a polymeric polyvinyl chloride (PVC). According to a preferred embodiment, the layer thickness of the base layer is 56 µm to 84 µm, preferably 70 µm. Forming the base layer from or comprising polymeric polyvinyl chloride has proven effective for stabilizing the antifouling film as a whole.

[0017] The invention is further developed in that the primer base layer comprises a polyurethane lacquer layer bonded to the base layer and a silicone primer layer bonded to the polyurethane lacquer layer, which comprises or consists of oxime-curing RTV silicone. According to a preferred embodiment, the layer thickness of the primer base layer is 44 µm to 66 µm, preferably 55 µm. The polyurethane lacquer layer preferably has a triple crosslinking with isocyanate, carbodiimide, and epoxy. In this way, the primer base layer adheres to the PVC-containing base layer and simultaneously provides a primer for the silicone primer layer. The silicone primer layer, in turn, adheres to the polyurethane lacquer layer and provides a primer for the adjacent silicone layer.

[0018] According to a preferred development, the silicone layer has a layer thickness of 56 µm to 84 µm, preferably 70 µm.

[0019] The invention has been described above with reference to an anti-fouling system. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for applying the anti-fouling system according to one of the above embodiments. The invention achieves the object defined above with regard to the method in that it comprises the following steps: applying the corrosion protection layer to an underwater surface, in particular to an underwater surface of a floating body or watercraft; drying the corrosion protection layer; applying the anti-fouling film to the corrosion protection layer, in particular immediately applying the anti-fouling film to the corrosion protection layer after the drying of the corrosion protection layer has been completed.

[0020] The drying of the corrosion protection layer preferably takes place purely passively, without the aid of external fans or heat sources. The method utilizes the same advantages and preferred embodiments as the system according to the invention, and vice versa. In this regard, reference is made to the above explanations, and their content is incorporated herein. The corrosion protection layer is preferably applied to the underwater surface using a spraying process. By applying the antifouling film to the corrosion layer immediately after it has dried, very good adhesion of the antifouling film to the corrosion protection layer is achieved.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the following steps are performed before applying the corrosion protection layer to the underwater surface: degreasing the underwater surface, blasting the degreased underwater surface, and cleaning the blasted underwater surface. This promotes a durable and permanent adhesion of the corrosion protection layer to the underwater surface.

[0022] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for renewing an anti-fouling system according to one of the preceding embodiments. The invention achieves the object identified above with regard to the method for renewing an anti-fouling system with the steps: removing the anti-fouling film from the corrosion protection layer, optionally repairing the corrosion protection layer, optionally cleaning a surface of the corrosion protection layer, and reapplying the anti-fouling film. It is provided that the newly applied anti-fouling film differs from the removed anti-fouling film, and the film is thus renewed. In this way, old growth can be easily removed from the removed anti-fouling film, so that the growth can be disposed of normally and in any case does not need to be classified as hazardous waste.The anti-fouling film can be replaced after five years, for example, or after two years in the case of passenger ships, without the need for re-blasting, re-painting, or the costly disposal of a paint-silicone mixture, as is common practice with existing technology. This also allows for partial repairs in the underwater area without any problems.

[0023] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a use of an anti-fouling system according to one of the above embodiments. The invention achieves the object defined above with regard to the use by using the anti-fouling system to coat an underwater surface. The use utilizes the same advantages and preferred embodiments as the system and method according to the invention, and vice versa. In this regard, reference is made to the above statements, and their content is incorporated herein. The invention is further developed in that the underwater surface is an underwater surface of a floating body or watercraft.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the appended claims and the following description, in which exemplary embodiments are explained in detail with reference to schematic drawings.

[0025] In detail: - Fig. 1 an embodiment of a fouling-resistant system in a perspective view; - Fig. 2 the embodiment of the anti-fouling system according to Fig. 1 in a schematic detailed representation; - Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a method according to the invention for applying a fouling-resistant system; and - Fig. 4 a flow diagram of a method according to the invention for renewing an anti-fouling system.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows an antifouling system 2. The antifouling system 2 is also referred to as an antifouling system 2. The antifouling system 2 is arranged on an underwater surface 4. This can be, for example, an underwater surface 4 of a floating body or watercraft. The antifouling system 2 has a corrosion protection layer 6. The corrosion protection layer 6 is applied to the underwater surface 4. Adjacent to the corrosion protection layer 6 and connected to it is an antifouling film 8. The antifouling film 8 has a silicone layer 16 on its outside.

[0027] The anti-fouling system 2 is in Fig. 2 in further detail. The anti-fouling film 8 has an adhesive layer 10. The adhesive layer 10 is arranged adjacent to the corrosion protection layer 6. The adhesive layer 10 creates an adhesive connection between the anti-fouling film 8 and the corrosion protection layer 6. The anti-fouling film 8 further has a base layer 12 adjacent to the adhesive layer 10 and connected thereto. The base layer 12 is designed to stabilize the anti-fouling film 8. The anti-fouling film 8 further has a primer base layer 14. The primer base layer 14 is designed to provide an adhesion base for a silicone layer 16. The primer base layer 14 is arranged adjacent to the base layer 12 and connected thereto. The anti-fouling film 8 further has a silicone layer 16. The silicone layer 16 is arranged adjacent to the primer base layer 14 and connected thereto.

[0028] The anti-fouling film 8 is biocide-free and non-toxic. The anti-fouling film 8 further comprises a removable protective film 18 on the outside and adjacent to the silicone layer 16. The removable protective film 18 is designed and configured to be removed after the anti-fouling film 8 has been applied. The protective film 18 is designed as a one-sided siliconized polyethylene protective film. The underwater surface 4 is formed from steel, aluminum, or purified zinc. The corrosion protection layer 6 is designed to form a permanent bond with the underwater surface 4. The corrosion protection layer 6 has a thickness d C from 200 µm to 300 µm. The corrosion protection layer 6 also has a mass per unit area of ​​200 g / m 2 up to 325 g / m 2 on, especially 270 g / m 2. The corrosion protection layer 6 is formed as a 2-component epoxy resin coating, wherein a first component 20 of the 2-component epoxy resin coating is an epoxy and a second component 22 of the 2-component epoxy resin coating is an amine.

[0029] The anti-fouling system 2 has a total thickness d G of up to 600 µm. The adhesive layer 10 comprises an acrylate underwater adhesive with a basis weight of 60 g / m 2 up to 75 g / m 2 The layer thickness d K The adhesive layer thickness is 56 µm to 84 µm, preferably 70 µm. The base layer 12 comprises a polymeric polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The layer thickness d B the base layer 12 is 56 µm to 84 µm, preferably 70 µm.

[0030] The primer base layer 14 comprises a polyurethane lacquer layer 24 and a silicone primer layer 26. The polyurethane lacquer layer 24 is bonded to the base layer 12. The silicone primer layer 26 is bonded to the polyurethane lacquer layer 24. The silicone primer layer 26 comprises oxime-curing RTV silicone.

[0031] The layer thickness d P The thickness of the primer base layer 14 is 44 µm to 66 µm, preferably 55 µm. The silicone layer 16 comprises or consists of an antifouling silicone. The antifouling silicone comprises an amphiphobic block polymer. The layer thickness d S the silicone layer 16 is 56 µm to 84 µm, preferably 70 µm.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method 100 for applying an anti-fouling system 2. The method 100 comprises the steps: applying 108 the corrosion protection layer 6 to an underwater surface 4, in particular to an underwater surface 4 of a floating body or watercraft, drying 110 the corrosion protection layer 6, applying 112 the anti-fouling film 8 to the corrosion protection layer 6, in particular immediately applying the anti-fouling film 8 to the corrosion protection layer 6 after the drying of the corrosion protection layer 6 has been completed. Before applying the corrosion protection layer 6 to the underwater surface 4, the following steps are optionally carried out: degreasing 102 the underwater surface 4, blasting 104 the degreased underwater surface 4, cleaning 106 the blasted underwater surface 4.

[0033] Fig.4 shows a flow chart of a method 200 for renewing the anti-fouling system 2. The method 200 comprises the following steps: removing 202 the anti-fouling film 8 from the corrosion protection layer 6, optionally, repairing 204 the corrosion protection layer 6, optionally, cleaning 206 a surface of the corrosion protection layer 6, reapplying 208 the anti-fouling film 8. List of reference symbols 2 Antifouling system 4 Underwater surface 6 Corrosion protection layer 8 anti-fouling film 10 adhesive layer 12 Base layer 14 Primer base layer 16 Silicone layer 18 removable protective films 20 first component of the corrosion protection layer 22 second component of the corrosion protection layer 24 polyurethane varnish layers 26 Silicone primer layer made of oxime-curing RTV silicone d K Layer thickness of the adhesive layer d B Layer thickness of the base layer d P Layer thickness of the primer base layer d S Layer thickness of the silicone layer d C Layer thickness of the corrosion protection layer d G Thickness of the entire system 100 Methods for applying an anti-fouling system 102 Degreasing the surface 104 Blasting of the degreased surface 106 Cleaning the blasted surface 108 Application of the corrosion protection layer 110 Drying the corrosion protection layer 112 Applying the film 200 Procedures for renewing an anti-fouling system 202 Removing the anti-fouling film 204 Repairing the corrosion protection layer 206 Cleaning a surface of the corrosion protection layer 208 Re-application of the anti-fouling film

Claims

[1] Anti-fouling system (2) for an underwater surface (4) of a floating body or watercraft, comprising a corrosion protection layer (6) applied to an underwater surface (4), and an anti-fouling film (8) arranged adjacent to the corrosion protection layer (6) and connected to the corrosion protection layer (6), which film has an anti-fouling silicone layer (16), characterized by , that - the silicone layer (16) comprises or consists of an antifouling silicone, wherein the antifouling silicone comprises an amphiphobic block polymer. [2] System (2) according to claim 1, wherein the anti-fouling film (8) comprises: a) an adhesive layer (10) which is arranged adjacent to the corrosion protection layer (6) and forms an adhesive bond with the corrosion protection layer (6), b) a base layer (12) for stabilising the anti-fouling film (8), which is arranged adjacent to the adhesive layer (10) and connected thereto, c) a primer base layer (14) for providing an adhesion base for a silicone layer (16), wherein the primer base layer (14) is arranged adjacent to the base layer (12) and is bonded thereto, and d) the silicone layer (16) which is arranged adjacent to the primer base layer (14) and connected thereto. [3] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-fouling film (8) is biocide-free and / or non-toxic. [4] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-fouling film (8) has, on the outside and adjacent to the silicone layer (16), a removable protective film (18) which is designed and constructed to be removed after the anti-fouling film (8) has been applied, wherein the protective film (18) is constructed as a one-sidedly siliconized polyethylene protective film (18). [5] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the underwater surface (4) is formed from steel, aluminum or purified zinc and wherein the corrosion protection layer (6) is designed to form a permanent bond with the underwater surface (4). [6] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the corrosion protection layer (6) has a thickness (d C ) of 200 µm to 300 µm and / or wherein the corrosion protection layer (6) has a mass per unit area of ​​200 g / m 2 up to 325 g / M 2has. [7] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the corrosion protection layer (6) is formed as a 2-component epoxy resin coating, wherein a first component (20) of the 2-component epoxy resin coating is an epoxy and a second component (22) of the 2-component epoxy resin coating is an amine. [8] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-fouling system (2) has a total thickness (d G ) of up to 600 µm. [9] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive layer (10) comprises an acrylate underwater adhesive having a basis weight of 60 g / m 2 up to 75 g / m 2 or consists of and / or wherein a layer thickness (d K ) of the adhesive layer (10) is 56 µm to 84 µm. [10] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer (12) comprises or consists of a polymeric polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or wherein a layer thickness (d B ) of the base layer (12) is 56 µm to 84 µm. [11] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the primer base layer (14) comprises a polyurethane lacquer layer (24) bonded to the base layer (12) and a silicone primer layer (26) bonded to the polyurethane lacquer layer (24), which comprises or consists of oxime-curing RTV silicone and / or wherein a layer thickness (d P ) of the primer base layer (14) is 44 µm to 66 µm. [12] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a layer thickness (d S ) of the silicone layer (16) is 56 µm to 84 µm. [13] Procedure (100) characterized by applying the anti-fouling system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: - applying (108) the corrosion protection layer (6) to an underwater surface (4), - drying (110) of the corrosion protection layer (6), - Applying (112) the anti-fouling film (8) to the corrosion protection layer (6). [14] The (100) method according to claim 13, wherein prior to applying the corrosion protection layer (6) to the underwater surface (4) the steps are carried out: - degreasing (102) of the underwater surface (4), - blasting (104) of the degreased underwater surface (4), - Cleaning (106) the blasted underwater surface (4). [15] Method (200) for renewing the anti-fouling system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps: - removing (202) the anti-fouling film (8) from the corrosion protection layer (6), - Re-application (208) of the anti-fouling film (8). [16] Use of the anti-fouling system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12 for coating an underwater surface (4). [17] Use according to claim 16, wherein the underwater surface (4) is an underwater surface (4) of a floating body or watercraft.

Images