A new generation of marine antifouling coatings

The marine mussel, Mytilus edulis, employs a protein-based adhesive to affix themselves to rocks, the ocean floor or to man-made structures. Previous work completed in the laboratory indicates that the mussel glue utilize radicals to create protein-protein and protein-surface bonds. With this knowledge, the development of a new generation of marine antifouling coatings has been accomplished. These coatings are created by incorporating radical inhibiting additives into a variety of paints. To test these novel marine coatings, detachment force of mussel plaques are collected along with the area of the plaques, thus allowing the calculation of the detachment strength. Along with this information, plaque failure modes are assessed to help understand that affect of the coating/additive combination. For a better understanding of the coatings a leaching assay, water contact angle measurements and work by collaborators has been completed to help support the new antifouling coating properties.