Foul Release Coating Composition for Low-Speed Biofouling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foul release coatings for controlling aquatic biofouling on man-made objects face challenges such as the need for high vessel speeds to remove fouling species, toxicity issues with tin-based catalysts, and inadequate adhesion and balance between pot life and drying time, especially at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A non-aqueous liquid foul release coating composition comprising a moisture curable polysiloxane with specific repeating units and terminal or pendant groups, along with a marine biocide or a non-volatile component, which provides improved anti-fouling performance, adhesion, and a balanced pot life and drying time without the need for a curing catalyst.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone rubber coatings are used for fouling release, then fouling resistance is improved, but high vessel speeds are required to remove fouling species
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition and surface properties of the silicone rubber coating by incorporating specific additives and modifying the polymer structure, which changes the surface energy and friction characteristics to enable fouling release at lower speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite coating system combining silicone rubber base polymer with functional additives and modifiers to achieve enhanced fouling release properties that work effectively at reduced vessel speeds
2Reliability
If tin-based catalysts are used for curing, then curing performance is improved, but toxicity issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful tin-based catalyst from the coating formulation and replaces it with alternative curing mechanisms or non-toxic catalysts, thereby eliminating the toxicity issue while maintaining curing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses alternative catalyst systems that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, replacing the persistent toxic tin compounds with safer, short-lived catalytic agents that do not pose long-term environmental risks
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative catalysts are used to reduce toxicity, then toxicity is reduced, but key coating attributes such as drying time, pot life or anti-fouling performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical parameters of the alternative catalyst system and the coating formulation to achieve the desired balance between low toxicity and acceptable drying time, pot life, and anti-fouling performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention develops a composite catalyst system or combines multiple non-toxic catalytic agents to achieve cumulative catalytic effect that matches or exceeds the performance of tin-based catalysts while maintaining low toxicity
4Strength
If foul release coatings are applied to improve adhesion, then adhesion is improved, but balance between pot life and drying time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the chemical composition and molecular structure of the coating to optimize the balance between pot life and drying time while maintaining improved adhesion, through controlled polymerization and crosslinking mechanisms
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 coating composition effectively prevents aquatic biofouling even at low vessel speeds or under static conditions, with improved adhesion to substrates and a balanced usability and drying time, eliminating the need for tin-based catalysts.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture curable polysiloxane comprising repeating units of formula (I) and at least one terminal or pendant group of formula (II)
Implementation Method 2
a moisture curable polysiloxane comprising repeating units of formula (I) and at least one terminal or pendant group of formula (II)
Implementation Method 3
silicone rubber coatings resist fouling by aquatic organisms. It is believed that such coatings present a surface to which the organisms cannot easily adhere
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a non-aqueous liquid foul release coating composition for controlling aqueous biofouling on man-made objects comprising a moisture curable polysiloxane comprising repeating units of according to formula (I) as described in the applicationand at least one terminal or pendant group of according to formula (II) as described in the application;andat least one of a marine biocide or a non-volatile component comprising units selected from hydrocarbyl, heterocarbyl, halocarbyl, ether, ester, amide, ketone, siloxane, urethane or urea groups. Embodiments herein further relate to a substrate coated with such coating composition and to processes of use of such coating compositions to control aquatic biofouling of a man-made object.