New technologies for the analysis of marine coatings

High-throughput methods for the fouling/fouling-release performance evaluation of marine coatings are desired to reduce the analysis cost, the amount of coating material needed, and the analysis time required. Combinatorial tools, methods, work-flows acquired and developed by North Dakota State Unversity to remedy these needs are described. Coatings based on silicones with grafted biocide (Triclosan) are described. The relationship between dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and settlement/release of barnacles on these coatings suggest that a bulk modulus of elasticity of approximately 0.1-10 MPa is optimum for coating resistance to fouling & fouling adhesion.