Enviro-friendly antifouling

New product developed by the American Naval Research Laboratory

Dutch company Copmacoating have introduced a new contrafouling coating
that contains no biocides or metals. These satisfy the European environmental legislation that came into effect on 1 January 2003. The non-toxic coating, WC15-E, is a two-component paint system with the advantage that fouling can be removed very easily because of its minimal adhesion. Furthermore, WC15-E is a very strong, flexible (even
on movable under layers), and smooth coating that is impermeable to vapour and water. This means that it is also an ideal protection against osmosis. WC15-E supersedes all existing antifoulings.

WC15-E is an excellent alternative for all prohibited antifoulings. The paint system is based on a Teflon-polyurethane polymer with the chemical name Fluoropolyurethane (FPU). The new product is totally free from biocides and metal-containing components. It thus satisfies the strict requirements of European environmental legislation in this field (R53 substances that are hazardous to the environment).

The great advantage of WC15-E is that organisms that foul vessels below the water line find it difficult to adhere, and can therefore be removed very easily. WC15-E can be applied easily with a roller or spray, after which the yacht is protected for at least five years. This brings an end to the annual scraping and re-application of antifouling.

According to Rob Stegeman of Compacoating: "At the end of the season, the fouling virtually falls off because there is simply no structure for it to adhere to. As a result, yacht owners have much less work below the water line every year; a simple brush down is sufficient to start the new season with a clean ship."

The American Naval Research Laboratory has developed the innovative paint system. There are already several variants that have withstood extreme testing and have received approval for the treatment of surfaces in particularly sensitive environments. "The potential is enormous", says Stegeman. "We expect that its so far unequalled mechanical and chemical properties will set new standards for environmental applications other than fouling below the water line. Examples of these could be the protection of liquid and solid materials against the effects of UV radiation, corrosion,
chemicals, and petrochemical and corrosive substances."

Two Max Fun 35s (the Delta Lloyd and the ABN-Amro), the new racing yachts acquired by the Heiner Team, have already been provided with the WC15-E coating. These boats have been treated with the underwater coating in two different ways: the ABN-Amro has been sprayed, and the Delta-Lloyd has been painted with rollers. The companies have used the boats to compete with each other in various sailing races. This provides an excellent practical test of the super-smooth WC15-E coating and its ability, through its lower resistance, to lead to higher speeds.

The price is 300€ per 1.5lts.

Dealer for the Germany is:
Costec GmbH, Elbeuferstraße 227A, 21436 Marschacht, Germany. Tel: +49 (0) 4 176 912 009
Fax: +49 (0) 4 176 912 659 E-mail: info@mpc-coverax.de