Barmacle Cement-Key to Second Generation Antifouling Coatings

First generation antifouling coatings show depletion in time of toxic content by the slow leaching out into sea water. Up to 3-yr effective fouling prevention on ships identifies such coatings. Second generation antifouling coatings will be characterized ultimately by a 10-yr service life. This long period of antifouling effectiveness is feasible as a result of studies made on the attachment mechanism of barnacles, an important fouling type. At least four approaches will be made-namely, prevent initial mechanical attachment by utilizing specific chemicals, discourage attachment by using repellents, interfere with the hardening of the attachment cement, and develop surfaces of free energy values such that fouling cements cannot adhere.