ONR Sponsors Anti-Fouling Hydrogel Research
(10/13/16)<http://maritime-executive.com/article/onr-sponsors-anti-fouling-hydrogel-research>
The U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) is sponsoring
work by Dr Xuanhe Zhao, an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, into the development of new hull fouling technologies. Zhao and his team have created an adhesive
hydrogel that can help barnacle-fighting coatings stick to metal hulls better
and longer, retain moisture and not dry out and avoid the use of toxic
chemicals and other pollutants. Currently, the Navy uses copper-based paints
and coatings to kill barnacles or prevent them from latching onto hulls. While
effective, these toxic materials leach into the water, negatively impacting
aquatic life. The Navy is seeking environmentally-friendly coatings that can
keep hulls clean and reduce fuel costs…..
