Chitosan-Based, Foul-Release Coatings

Rapid biofouling of aquaculture netting necessitates frequent cleaning. Cleaning by scrubbing or pressure washing can consume as much as 40% of total labor. Chemical methods of biofouling control are not approved for the aquaculture industry. Silicone elastomers that release biofouling have been developed. However, these ¿foul-release¿ coatings are often more expensive than the netting itself and have short service lives. Novel chitosan-based foul-release coatings were discovered during Phase 1 and are proposed for further development during Phase 2 to overcome these problems. These novel coatings are formed from low-cost, non-toxic and waterborne materials. The objective of this Phase 2 research is to experimentally demonstrate that these coatings control fouling more effectively than industry standards, PDMS and copper-based coatings. Foul-resistance of coatings will be assessed by exposing coated nets and panels at different sites, and recording fouling mass and diversity of organisms as a function of time. Chemical and physical property tests are also planned.