Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Aluminate-Silicate-Based Antifouling Coatings

EPA Contract Number: 68D99041
Title: 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: SBIR - Water and Wastewater , Watersheds , 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., Sustainable Industry/Business, Air, Scientific Discipline, Water, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Engineering, Chemistry, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Wastewater, cleaner production/pollution prevention, air toxics, New/Innovative technologies, clean technology, organic coatings, coatings, innovative technologies, waterborne coating, organic-inorganic hybrid coating, antifouling coating, aluminum-silicate, coating formulations, wastewater treatment, environmentally safe coating, VOCs, clean technologies, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), innovative technology, alternative coatings