MERCER02-14
15
Examples:
A.
ChugokuMarinePaints, BiocleanSPGH
Bioclean is manufactured by Chugoku Marine Paints. The film structure combines silicone
bonds and methylated groups and does not contain biocides. Bioclean SPGH has been
demonstrated to work well against marine and freshwater macrofouling. The coating is fairly
durable, but is soft and susceptible to abrasion. The coating has been applied to concrete and
steel substrates. Bioclean SPGH incorporates silica fillers to reinforce and strengthen the coating
matrix, but there is a compromise between the foul-release mechanisms and coating matrix
strength. Bioclean SPGHworks best in flow velocities between 0.9 to 1.2 m s
-1
. Flows greater
than 3.0m s
-1
could quicklywear away the coating.
Surface preparation and proper application are important for performance. Improper application
can result in coating failures. One case inTexas, the coating delaminated and clogged the facility
components. An epoxy primer must be applied first, followed by the silicone topcoat. It is not
known if a tie coat or proprietary additives are used to promote adhesion of the coating layers.
The coating has a lifespan of approximately five years on trash and intake bays and seven to nine
years on intake tunnels. The difference is likely due to water flow patterns. After one to two
years, a small amount of cleaningmay be necessary tomaintain a low degree of fouling (Wells
andSytsma 2009).
B.
Kansai Paint, Biox
Biox, a clear silicone rubber containing an exuding silicone oil, is produced by Kansai Paint.
Recoating the substrate every five years is recommended. Biox cannot overcoat itself, therefore
reapplication requireswater-blasting the rubber topcoat down to the primer, re-priming, and then
applying twomore coats of Biox.
After one year, marine macrofoulers were able to attach loosely to concrete intake walls coated
withBiox. Dewatering the intake bays caused the growths to slide to the bottom, which can then
be easily removed. Biox developed more growth over the first two to three years compared to
pipes coated with Bioclean. Biox showed no signs of peeling or delaminating except in small
areas thatwere not dried adequately before application (Gross 1997).
C.
FujiFilmHunt Smart Surfaces, Smart Surfaces
Smart Surfaces Duplex Fouling Release system is made by FujiFilm Hunt Smart Surfaces
(FHSM). This coating includes epoxy primers, a tethering agent in the epoxy coat to promote
adhesion, a tie coat and room temperature vulcanized silicone topcoat that contains proprietary
silicone oil. The long-term lifespan is unknown; however, FHSM estimates it to be five years.
This coating has been applied to primed steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and concrete substrates. The
coating is soft and not considered very durable, however some studies have demonstrated strong
durability.
This coating is applied in four coats. The first coat is an immersion grade epoxy primer applied
to the bare, clean and dry surface. The second coat is an immersion grade epoxy primer with an
added tethering agent. The FHSM tie coat is applied next, followed by the Smart Surfaces
topcoat. The minimum substrate surface and ambient air temperatures for application are 4°C
