Silicone coating technology gives barnacles the “slip”

When marine organisms like barnacles attach to the underwater hulls of ships, they increase drag. This reduces vessel speed and maneuverability and increases fuel consumption. Traditional, heavy-metal-based antifouling coatings are one solution. While these coatings work well, increasing regulatory pressure is driving the development of alternative solutions to marine fouling problems.

One leading alternative involves the use of silicone-based technology to create a non-toxic, “non-stick” coating that enables the ship’s passage through the water to mechanically “wipe” away the fouling organisms. Because silicone coatings reduce fouling by a physical rather than chemical means, they have been ruled exempt from reporting by some regulatory agencies.

Learn about Dow Corning silicones for paints and coatings.