Ease of Removal of Barnacles from Various Polymeric Materials.

摘要

It has been shown that marine fouling on ships and propellers contributes significantly to increased fuel consumption. To enhance efficient fleet operations, the Navy Energy Conservation program is currently seeking methods to maintain a fouling-free conditions. One approach is development of coatings on which barnacles and other fouling organisms adhere poorly, so that the hydrodynamic stress generated in normal service or simple cleaning methods can remove them. Experience has shown that durable coatings may be formed using a wide variety of materials and methods, and previous work has indicated that fouling organisms exhibit lower adhesion to certain fluorinated materials than to untreated aluminum. The present work was undertaken to (1) determine the force required for detachment of barnacles from a variety of commercial polymeric materials. (JS)