Bioinspired Marine Coatings with Nonfouling and Fouling Release Capabilities

Bio-fouling on ship hulls and other marine structures has become a global environmental and economic issue. There is an urgent need for the development of next-generation marine coatings that are nontoxic, long-lasting, low-cost and effective even under static conditions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from Zwitter Technology will develop a bio-inspired environmental friendly marine coating with nonfouling and fouling release capabilities by integrating bioinspired mechanistic and zwitterionic/silicone material approaches. In Phase I, we will demonstrate the benefits of bioinspired antifoulants, nonfouling zwitterionic materials and low-elastic module silicones. In Phase I Option, we will develop a commercially viable approach (i.e., easy scale up/production/application and low-cost) to realize this concept. This multi-functional marine coating technology will be the first and the only one of its kind.