Drag-reducing textured coating applied in a single step

摘要

It has been known for about 20 years that special micro-structures simulating the texture of shark skin can lower hull drag by up to ten percent. A new process for the production of these coatings on large surfaces has now been developed by researchers in Germany and the process allows coating application, embossing, and partial curing in a single step. The process involves using a UV-transparent stamp on UV-curable polyurethane lacquer with a solids content close to 100 percent. After curing in sunlight, the coating will not be runny or tacky .The coating material is free of volatile organic compounds and contains nano-composites that give the coating the necessary abrasion resistance and weathering stability.