Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Aluminate-Silicate-Based Antifouling Coatings
EPA Contract Number: 68D99041Title: Aluminate-Silicate-Based Antifouling Coatings
Investigators: Walsh, M. Alex
Small Business: E Paint Company
EPA Contact:
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1999 through March 1, 2000
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Watersheds , SBIR - Water and Wastewater , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
This research demonstrated the feasibility of developing a novel waterborne antifouling coating based on aluminate chemistry to control biofouling. Using benign components, an ablative coating that exhibited foul-release properties was formulated. Coating performance was monitored for 90 days in a high fouling marine environment.Control of biofouling is a multibillion-dollar business. Biofouling significantly impacts the performance of ships, increasing fuels costs and dry-docking frequency. Infestation of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in North America has significantly impacted ecosystems and industries including: power generation industries, manufacturing industries and water and wastewater treatment facilities. Estimates on the effects of mussel invasion range from $500 million to $5 billion per year. Traditional means of controlling infestation are not environmentally sound. These methods pollute, threatening water supplies with materials that persist in the environment. This research demonstrated the feasibility of developing a low cost, non-toxic and waterborne coating for biofouling control.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Novel aluminate polymers were developed from low cost materials. Coatings formulated with these polymers exhibited good fouling resistance in marine exposure tests. Foul resistance ratings of most of the coatings tested improved with time. These ratings were comparable to that of silicone release coatings, the industry standard for non-toxic biofouling control. Aluminate coatings displayed better physical and handling properties than silicone. They were harder, more mar resistant, less expensive and easier to apply. A major environmental advantage is that they are waterborne.Conclusions:
This research demonstrated the feasibility of developing non-toxic coatings for biofouling control. Currently no such product exists. Potential commercial markets for this technology include the billion dollar antifouling paint market for fresh water and marine vessels and the smaller, but environmentally important, zebra mussel control market.Supplemental Keywords:
Aluminosilicate, Antifouling, Non-stick, Release Coatings, Zebra Mussel., Scientific Discipline, Air, Water, Sustainable Industry/Business, air toxics, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Wastewater, Chemistry, Technology for Sustainable Environment, New/Innovative technologies, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, wastewater treatment, environmentally safe coating, antifouling coating, clean technologies, biofouling, VOCs, clean technology, waterborne coating, organic coatings, innovative technology, coating formulations, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), innovative technologies, coatings, aluminum-silicate, alternative coatingsThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.