Selected Answers

From Steven Escaravage of FUJIFILM Hunt Smart Surfaces,LLC on September 6, 2013:
Clearly, the FR systems are more beneficial to the ...read more Clearly, the FR systems are more beneficial to the environment & economic saving, due to the duration/life is so much better for all.

From Gena Montgomery of Thordon Bearings Inc. on September 6, 2013:
I've commissioned cyclic static-dynamic testing in ...read more I've commissioned cyclic static-dynamic testing in the high-fouling, year-round tropical marine environment of Tuticorin Bay (India) to compare toxic AFs to silicone AFs. As expected with dynamic conditions, the FRC showed superior performance. More recently, the two types of AFs were put under static conditions, only to discover that the FRC outperformed the toxic AFs. The timelines were short (1-2 years), so no comments are given on longevity except to say better results were had with FRCs in dynamic or static conditions.

From Colin Anderson of American Chemet on September 6, 2013:
High performance SPC (Self-Polishing Copolymer) an ...read more High performance SPC (Self-Polishing Copolymer) antifoulings can be specified for commercial vessels for up to 90 months in warm tropical waters. The thickness varies, depending on the vessel activity and in-service period, with more paint applied for longer lifetimes. SPC's can also be used on pleasure craft in warm tropical waters, but due to the low activity of these vessels for not more than 3 years. Foul release coatings can be used in warm tropical waters, with regular in-water "grooming" (not scrubbing). The film thickness of foul release coatings is independent of ship activity or in-service period. The first application lasts for 5 years, and then a re-application of the top coat (150 microns) gives another 5 years service life. Foul release coatings are not commonly used on pleasure craft in warm, tropical waters.

From Per Gabrielsson of Free Lance Consultations and Inspections on September 5, 2013:
Antifoulings and foul releases will collect slime ...read more Antifoulings and foul releases will collect slime and weed and if/when brushed, toxic substances from the coatings will enter into the water and affect the marine life. Brushing of silicone- based AF's is virtually impossible due to their softness. Hard coatings are easily brushed and do not distribute toxic ingredients into the water, in case you are looking for "Green Coatings."

From Suresh Babu of Hempel Paints on August 29, 2013:
The premium products on the market now are based o ...read more The premium products on the market now are based on silicone and are biocide-free. They could be specified from 60 months to a maximum of 90 months.