| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2011.2 |
| Topic No.: |
N112-166 |
| Topic Title: |
Eco-friendly Surface Chemistries for the Inhibition of Biofouler Glue Polymerization |
| Proposal No.: |
N112-166-0993 |
| Firm: |
e Paint Company
25 Research Road
East Falmouth, Massachusetts 02536 |
| Contact: |
Myles Walsh |
| Phone: |
(508) 540-4412 |
| Web Site: |
www.epaint.com |
| Abstract: |
This research effort will result in an environmentally compliant and cost effective means of controlling biofouling that will significantly reduce the environmental impacts of maritime activities and result in a "Greener Navy". Phase I investigates the feasibility of developing biologically active polymers that target the adhesive proteins of settling organisms. Phase II will lead to the development of a novel non-toxic antifouling coating technology. |
| Benefits: |
The significance of this research lies in the fact that, the major suppliers of the world's antifouling coatings are committed for the foreseeable future to the use of copper. Global suppliers of marine coatings worldwide are marketing metal-acrylate copolymers which are modeled after their forty years of experience with tin copolymer antifoulings. Organotin has been replaced with copper-based actives and organic booster biocides. These pesticides leach from antifouling coatings directly into estuaries, the many confined stretches of water that serve as safe harbors for vessels of all sizes. This research, if successful, provides a copper-free antifouling alternative which is not currently available. The proposed approach to biofouling control will render metal-based coatings obsolete significantly reducing the environmental impacts of maritime activities. |