Bioinspired Marine Coatings with Nonfouling and Fouling Release Capabilities
Navy SBIR FY2011.2


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2
Topic No.: N112-166
Topic Title: Bioinspired Marine Coatings with Nonfouling and Fouling Release Capabilities
Proposal No.: N112-166-1001
Firm: Zwitter Technology, LLC
616 NE Northlake PL Rm 620B
Seattle, Washington 98105
Contact: Yuting Li
Phone: (210) 544-6077
Web Site: http://www.zwittertech.com/
Abstract: Bio-fouling on ship hulls and other marine structures has become a global environmental and economic issue. There is an urgent need for the development of next-generation marine coatings that are nontoxic, long-lasting, low-cost and effective even under static conditions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from Zwitter Technology will develop a bio-inspired environmental friendly marine coating with nonfouling and fouling release capabilities by integrating bioinspired mechanistic and zwitterionic/silicone material approaches. In Phase I, we will demonstrate the benefits of bioinspired antifoulants, nonfouling zwitterionic materials and low-elastic module silicones. In Phase I Option, we will develop a commercially viable approach (i.e., easy scale up/production/application and low-cost) to realize this concept. This multi-functional marine coating technology will be the first and the only one of its kind.
Benefits: The success of this project will bring a bio-inspired marine coating with nonfouling and fouling release capabilities into the market. Since they are nontoxic, long-lasting, low-cost and effective even under static conditions, this bio-inspired marine coating will not only take a large portion of market share from existing antifouling and fouling release marine coatings, but also create new market. It is a platform technology for marine coatings and has huge commercial values for many applications such as ship hulls, marine structures and heat exchangers.

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