Foul-release systems offer a low surface energy and non-toxic surface that work by preventing firm adhesion of fouling organisms. Above a critical threshold speed, hydrodynamic shear forces will wash off any attached organisms. Particularly for high-speed and high-activity vessels, foul-release systems currently offer an interesting alternative to toxic antifoulings.
The research, which is being carried out at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, investigates whether the specific surface properties of foul-release systems have a beneficial effect on its drag. The recent flat plate towing tank experiments carried out by the authors in collaboration with CEHIPAR, Spain, have confirmed that the total resistance of a 6.3m plate coated with a foul-release coating system was 1.4% lower than when it was coated with a Tributyltin-free Self-Polishing Co-polymer.
These low-drag characteristics for foul-release systems may offer prospects of fuel saving and increased service speed. However, the full understanding of the drag reduction mechanism of foul-release systems and the implications for their exploitation requires further research.
 

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Last Updated: 8 July 2002