Multi-Layer Boat Hull Coatings Prevent Biofouling and Corrosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective coatings for submerged structures in water are temporary and eventually fail due to chemical, biological, and mechanical processes, leading to deterioration and damage, with the release of harmful materials into the aquatic environment.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer coating system comprising an outer polymer layer with biologically active substances that repel biofouling organisms and an inner polymer layer with toxic substances that eliminate penetrating organisms, both enclosed within the coating to prevent material release into the water, using polymers like polyurethanes and fluorourethanes for durability and UV resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective coating is applied to prevent deterioration from chemical, biological, and mechanical processes, then the protection duration is improved, but the coating itself is eventually destroyed and harmful materials are released into the aquatic environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection durationVSAvoidharmful material release
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coating system is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer polymer layer that provides initial protection and contains biologically active substances, and an inner polymer layer that provides long-term protection and contains toxic substances. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while containing harmful materials within the coating structure rather than releasing them into the environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coating combines different polymer materials with specific properties - the outer layer uses polymers like polyurethanes and fluorourethanes for durability and UV resistance, while the inner layer uses polymers that provide long-term protection. The composite structure integrates biologically active substances and toxic substances within the polymer matrix, creating a coating that provides extended protection without environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the coating is periodically removed and replaced to prevent structural damage, then the protection reliability is maintained, but material loss and environmental contamination increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection maintenanceVSAvoidcoating material release
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The coating system incorporates biologically active substances and toxic substances from the outset that continuously provide protection against biofouling and corrosion. The outer polymer layer with biologically active substances prevents initial biofouling attack, while the inner polymer layer with toxic substances provides ongoing protection, eliminating the need for periodic removal and replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional protective coatings are used, then initial protection is provided, but the coating eventually fails and requires replacement before structural damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating service lifeVSAvoidcoating replacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coating system provides continuous protection through the synergistic action of multiple layers with different functional substances. The outer layer with biologically active substances continuously repels biofouling organisms, while the inner layer with toxic substances continuously eliminates penetrating organisms. This continuous action extends the coating service life and eliminates the need for periodic replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The multi-layer coating system provides long-term protection against biofouling, corrosion, and mechanical damage without releasing harmful substances into the water, maintaining the integrity of both the coating and the submerged surface for extended periods.

Implementation Method 1

the outer polymer layer being impregnated with a biologically active chemical substance that inhibits biofouling-induced chemical, biological, and bio-proliferative damage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiofouling inhibition:

Implementation Method 2

the inner polymer layer being impregnated with a biologically active chemical substance that inhibits biofouling-induced chemical, biological, and bio-proliferative damage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectToxicity:

Implementation Method 3

both enclosed within the coating to prevent material release into the water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 4

using polymers like polyurethanes and fluorourethanes for durability and UV resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV resistance:

Implementation Method 5

protective coatings for surfaces submerged in water... to prevent such damage to the structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical resistance:

Data Source

PatentUS12043760B2Non-ablative multi-layer coatings that prevent water-derived damage, corrosion, and deterioration from biological chemical processes and that are applied during boat manufacture
Publication Date: 2024.07.23 REDJAK LLC
  • US12043760B2 patent drawing
  • US12043760B2 patent drawing
  • US12043760B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods of forming a boat hull include applying an outer polymer layer onto a hull mold, the outer polymer layer being impregnated with a biologically active chemical substance that inhibits biofouling-induced chemical, biological, and bio-proliferative damage. An inner polymer layer is applied onto the outer polymer layer, the inner polymer layer being impregnated with a biologically active chemical substance that inhibits biofouling-induced chemical, biological, and bio-proliferative damage. One or more layers of fiberglass matting are applied on the inner polymer layer, the fiberglass matting being saturated with a polymer selected from one of a group of polymers comprising a vinyl ester polymer, a phthalic unsaturated polyester polymer, and an epoxy polymer.