Navy Developing Coating to Reduce Ship Fuel, Energy Costs

摘要

It can repel water, oil, alcohol and even peanut butter. And it might save the U.S. Navy millions of dollars in ship fuel costs, reduce the amount of energy that vessels consume and improve operational efficiency. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is sponsoring work by Dr. Anish Tuteja, an associate professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Michigan, to develop a new type of "omniphobic" coating. This chemical coating is clear and durable, can be applied to numerous surfaces, and sheds just about any liquid. Of particular interest to the Navy is how omniphobic coatings can reduce friction drag-resistance created by the movement of a hull through water-on ships, submarines and unmanned underwater vessels.