| 65880 | |
| Marine organisms such as barnacles, algae, and mussels continuously foul ship hulls and other surfaces subject to seawater. Drag caused by fouling reduces top speed and increases fuel usage. Current antifouling agents rely on the release of heavy metals into surrounding water. Heavy metals act as general biocides, killing anything in their proximity. Although effective, these antifouling agents are a source of environmental concern and destroy local ecosystems. Researchers at Purdue University have developed a more environmentally conscious approach to antifouling that relies on reduction of marine organisms' ability to adhere to surfaces. Application of this agent is highly effective, with a 30 percent to 60 percent reduction in adhesion strength of marine organisms. Reduced adherence facilitates removal, resulting in less maintenance and increased efficiency without the environmental impact associated with heavy metals. Advantages: -Reduces adhesion strength of marine organisms by 30 percent to 60 percent -Environmentally-safe solution would replace heavy-metal-based antifouling agents -Potential uses extending beyond marine vessels Potential Applications: -Materials -Manufacturing -Green Technology -Chemical Analysis |
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May 16, 2012
NATL-Patent
European Patent
2710080
Mar 28, 2018
Nov 15, 2013
NATL-Patent
United States
9,416,282
Aug 16, 2016
May 16, 2012
PCT-Patent
WO
(None)
(None)
May 20, 2011
Provisional-Patent
United States
(None)
(None)
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Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization 1801 Newman Road West Lafayette, IN 47906 Phone: (765) 588-3475 Fax: (765) 463-3486 Email: otcip@prf.org |