eeping ship hulls free from fouling has traditionally required a biocidal

effect produced by any of a number of mechanisms, such as copper com-

pounds alone; copper compounds in combination with a booster biocide of

some form; and tributyl tin (TBT) compounds with booster biocides.

In recent years, polishing and smoothing mechanisms have also added

to the performance of the antifouling products. The combination of these

mechanisms to create self-polishing co-polymers (SPC) has today

enabled paint manufacturers to keep vessels free of fouling up to

five years, and, in exceptional cases, longer.

H

o

w

e

v

e

r, the ban on TBT—because of its adverse effects on the environment—

and concerns about other biocides’ environmental impact have prudent paint compa-

nies and ship owners looking for biocide-free alternatives. Several technologies are

being offered in the marketplace. Of these technologies, the most commonly used at

present is silicone-based. While silicone-based technology for coatings is not new, its

use for protecting ships against fouling is a relatively recent phenomenon. Based on

the author’s experience as a consultant to the marine industry, this article reports on

www.paintsquare.com

JPCL / February 2006 / PCE

M-22 / Marine Coatings

Foul-Release

Coatings:

Past,

Present,

and Future

Raouf Kattan, Safinah, UK

Past,

Present,

and Future

K