MPC Polymer Coatings for Marine Anti-Fouling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-fouling systems for marine equipment rely on toxic biocides, which are environmentally harmful and require high loading rates for effectiveness, while non-biocide-based formulations often require expert application and provide limited additional benefits.

Innovation Solution

The use of polymers derived from 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and cetyl dimethicone copolyol (CDC), either alone or in combination with a ceramic coating, to create an anti-fouling and anti-corrosive agent that modifies surface chemistry to prevent fouling and corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If toxic biocides such as copper (I) oxide are used for anti-fouling, then fouling prevention effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm and toxicity to humans increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefouling prevention effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm and toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of traditional biocides into a beneficial non-biocide system by using polymers with phosphorylcholine groups that naturally resist fouling through surface chemistry modifications, eliminating toxicity while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the coating system by incorporating specific polymer structures (phosphorylcholine-containing polymers) that alter surface properties to prevent fouling without requiring toxic substances, thus changing the approach from chemical killing to surface property modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high biocide loading (up to 50%) is used, then fouling prevention effectiveness is improved, but cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefouling prevention effectivenessVSAvoidbiocide loading

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the toxic biocide component entirely from the anti-fouling system, replacing it with polymer-based surface modification technology that achieves fouling prevention without requiring high loading of harmful substances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable, non-biocide based polymer coating that provides sufficient protection without the need for high concentrations of expensive and harmful biocides, offering an economical and environmentally friendly alternative

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-biocide-based formulations are used, then environmental harm is reduced, but additional benefits such as corrosion and abrasion resistance are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental harmVSAvoidcorrosion and abrasion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite coating system combining polymer matrices with functional groups (phosphorylcholine, silane, ceramic particles) that simultaneously provide anti-fouling properties and enhanced mechanical/chemical resistance, overcoming the limitations of single-function non-biocide coatings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a multi-functional polymer coating system that performs multiple functions simultaneously: anti-fouling, corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and surface smoothness, eliminating the need for separate protective layers and enhancing overall reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If existing non-biocide coatings are applied, then toxicity is reduced, but expert application is required and durability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetoxicityVSAvoidapplication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the application parameters and polymer chemistry to enable simpler, more versatile application methods while maintaining non-biocide toxicity-free properties, making the coating accessible to a broader range of users without requiring expert knowledge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 polymer-based coatings effectively prevent both hard and soft fouling and corrosion on marine equipment surfaces, with the addition of a ceramic coating enhancing durability and providing additional benefits such as abrasion resistance and UV resistance.

Implementation Method 1

the polymers used according to the invention modify the surface chemistry, preventing hard and soft fouling and corrosion on surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface chemistry modification:

Implementation Method 2

the dimethicone copolyol may be referred to as an polymer with alkyl groups that hinder attachment by virtue of the pendent/projecting alkyl groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteric repulsion:

Data Source

PatentUS20250188288A1Anti-fouling polymeric agents

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 EDWARDS MARK IEUAN

AI summary

The invention relates to the use of polymers and polymeric agents in preventing hard and soft fouling and corrosion, particularly although not exclusively, on the surface of marine equipment. Additionally, the invention relates to the novel combination of polymers with a ceramic coating, and its use as an anti-fouling or anti-corrosive agent.