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Paints & Coatings

improved fuel efficiency original biocide free foul release product The pitcher plant is different to

and emission reductions.
based on fluoropolymer technology, some other nature-inspired adaptations
meant that foul release was available by ‘locking-in’ a lubricant layer onto the The new patented

for all vessels above 10 knots. surface of its skin which cannot be fluoropolymer in
Intersleek1100SR, the newest addition to penetrated by another liquid and is Intersleek1100SR has

the range, has become the first ever slime more damage tolerant. The result is been developed by
release coating for all vessels. With over also fatal to the plant’s prey – insects enhancing the slime

1,600 individual applications, Intersleek and small frogs – which are unable to resistant polymer
is claimed to have the largest foul release climb out of its smooth, deep, tubular- groups used in earlier

track record within the industry.
shaped body.
generations of

Intersleek. The Readily available and with price A team at Harvard University have
tailored surface points suitable for all vessel types, now been able to mimic the pitcher

chemistry of this advanced hull coatings are one of the plant’s inner skin design to produce a
new technology
most accessible forms of clean transparent coating capable of being

technology that the shipping industry is economically applied to almost any specifically
using to its advantage. However, the object – large or small.
influences and

scientific research and development it resists the The multi-stage coating process
takes to bring the latest innovations to adhesion and involves attaching a thin, but rough

market should not be underestimated, settlement of
layer of porous silica particles which are
and will continue to play a vital role in used to lock-in a lubricating layer onto organisms

solving shipping’s energy efficiency the surface to be protected. Its diverse that make

challenge as the industry moves towards applications could include acting as an up slime
long-term sustainability.
anti-graffiti coating on walls or on

medical implants to aid blood flow.
A tropical carnivorous plant – the
pitcher plant – which traps its prey This latest development in coating

inside its body with a virtually technology reached the finals of this
frictionless surface is also inspiring a year’s Institution of Chemical

new generation of coatings capable of Engineers (IChemE) Awards in the
repelling liquids including blood, oil, UK, which recognises excellence and

honey, ice and fouling on ship hulls.
innovation in the chemical and process
Nature is well-known for its ability industries worldwide.

to repel liquids with lotus leaves, rice IChemE’s Chief Executive, Dr
leaves, butterfly wings, mosquito David Brown, said: “Some existing

compound eyes, cicada wings, red rose coatings have limitations including

petals, gecko feet, desert beetles, and contamination and degradation by
spider silk all having the ability to contaminants, lack of self-healing

remain dry.
capabilities and damage tolerance.
“By mimicking the pitcher plants However, the pitcher plant or

skin structure, Harvard University’s Nepenthes, which is found in countries
new coating self-heals almost instantly, including Australia, Malaysia and

even if scraped with a knife or blade. It Madagascar, has a special adaptation
colonisation. is capable of operating in extreme which creates a near frictionless surface

The introduction temperatures and high pressure, and with unique self-healing properties.
of Intersleek1100SR builds The ability to repel liquids and can be applied to surfaces ranging from

upon International Paint’s long history contaminants has important metals and semiconductors, to paper

of fouling release development. In applications to industry and everyday and cotton fabric.
1996, the company launched the first life. Coatings are needed to help stop “It is a very clever solution by the

and original silicone based the formation of life-threatening team at Harvard University and
Intersleek425 for fast craft. In 1999 bacteria on medical instruments, ice another excellent example of how

Intersleek700 silicone technology was build-up on air planes, fouling on ship chemical engineering is being used to
introduced to bring foul release to deep- hulls, anti-corrosion and the efficient improve the features and performance

sea scheduled vessels. In 2007 the transportation of products like crude oil of products we need and rely upon
introduction of Intersleek900, the
by pipeline.
every day.”

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2014 Issue 60 The SHIP Supplier 27