Americas News
New Marine "Wrinkle" Coating Could Reduce Bunker Bills
A newly developed marine coating can shake off bacteria with microscopic movements, helping to prevent buildup of marine organisms that can reduce fuel efficiency, according to the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University in the U.S., where the material was developed.
"We have developed a material that 'wrinkles,' or changes its surface in response to a stimulus, such as stretching or pressure or electricity," said Duke engineer Xuanhe Zhao.
"This deformation can effectively detach biofilms and other organisms that have accumulated on the surface."
If bacteria are not removed from ship hulls, they can attract worms, barnacles, and other organisms, making ship movements less fuel efficient.
The new material, which can be applied like paint, was tested in a laboratory with simulated seawater, and study results were published in the journal Advanced Materials.
The research was funded by the National Science Foundation-backed Research Triangle Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) and the U.S. Office of Naval Research.
An analysis by consulting company Frost & Sullivan released last November found that the marine coating industry is poised for strong growth as shipowners work to reduce fuel consumption and meet environmental regulations.
