Advances in Marine Antifouling Coatings and Technologies

Marine biofouling can be defined as the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, algae and animals on structures submerged in seawater. From the dawn of navigation, marine biofouling has been a major problem for shipping in such areas as reduced speed, higher fuel consumption and increased corrosion. It also affects industries using off-shore structures such as oil,gas and underwater energy production and aquaculture. Growing concerns about the environmental impact of antifouling coatings has led to major new research to develop more environmentally-friendly alternatives. Advances in marine antifouling coatings and technologies summaries this wealth of research and its practical implications. This book is divided into four sub-sections which discuss: marine biofouling, evaluation and reduction of the environmental impact of antifouling products, development of antifouling coatings, and, testing and development of antifouling coatings. It provides an authoritative overview of the recent advances in understanding the biology of fouling organisms, the latest developments on antifouling screening techniques both in the field and in the laboratory, research on safer active compounds and the progress on nontoxic coatings with tailor-made surface properties. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Advances in marine antifouling coatings and technologies is a standard reference for manufacturers of marine antifouling solutions, the shipping industry, oil, gas and underwater energy producers, aquaculture and other industries using offshore structures, and academics researching this important area. This book is also a very useful and comprehensive textbook for students interested to gain a general knowledge of the fouling processes and impact on marine structures. Assesses marine antifouling organisms and their impact, including a historical review and directions for future research Discusses developments in antifouling coatings examining chemically-active and new surface approaches Reviews the environmentally friendly alternative of safer active compounds and the progress of non-toxic compounds