Piezoelectric polymer antifouling coating and method of use and application
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of coating the outer surface of an electrically conductive marine structure with a plural layer continuous film for reducing fouling thereon comprising the steps of:
- preparing the surface of the structure to insure maximum electrical conductivity;
applying a layer of electrically conductive cement to substantially the entire outer surface to be contacted by water containing fouling organisms;
applying a continuous layer of piezoelectric polymer over the cement;
applying another layer of electrically conductive cement to the polymer layer; and
applying another continuous layer of piezoelectric polymer for interfacing with water.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An antifouling coating with method of use and method of application on marine structures in the form of a film containing piezoelectric polymer material, which, when electrically activated vibrates at a selected frequency to present a surface interfacing with water which is inhospitable for attachment of vegetable and animal life including free-swimming organisms thereby discouraging their attachment and their subsequent growth thereon to the macrofoulant adult stage.
-
Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A method of coating the outer surface of an electrically conductive marine structure with a plural layer continuous film for reducing fouling thereon comprising the steps of:
-
preparing the surface of the structure to insure maximum electrical conductivity; applying a layer of electrically conductive cement to substantially the entire outer surface to be contacted by water containing fouling organisms; applying a continuous layer of piezoelectric polymer over the cement; applying another layer of electrically conductive cement to the polymer layer; and applying another continuous layer of piezoelectric polymer for interfacing with water. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
-
5. A method of coating the outer surface of a steel hull ship with a multi-layer film having characteristics to reduce marine fouling thereon comprising the steps of:
-
providing the ship out of water; cleaning substantially the entire outer surface of the hull to insure maximum electrical conductivity; applying a first continuous layer of electrically conductive cement over substantially the entire cleaned surface expected to normally come in contact with water containing fouling organisms; spraying a continuous layer of statically charged fine grain dry piezoelectric polymer on the conductive coating and applying heat to coalesce; applying a second layer of electrically conductive cement over the polymer layer; spraying a continuous layer of statically charged fine grain dry piezoelectric polymer on the second layer of conductive cement and applying heat to coalesce; and poling the polymer layers. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
Specification