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Using ultraviolet light for improved antifouling performance on ship hull coatings
Kelli Z Hunsucker1, Cierra Braga1, Harrison Gardner1
1Center for Corrosion and Biofouling Control, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA.
Biofouling
|August 7, 2019
Summary
Ultraviolet C (UVC) light effectively prevents biofouling on ship hull coatings. Intermittent UVC exposure is optimal for preventing settlement on copper and fouling release coatings without causing damage.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Materials science
- Surface engineering
Background:
- Biofouling on ship hulls increases drag and fuel consumption.
- Current anti-fouling strategies face environmental and efficacy challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation in preventing biofouling on various ship hull coatings.
- To determine optimal UVC exposure frequencies and distances for different coating types.
Main Methods:
- Part 1: Assessed UVC efficacy on an epoxy coating at 1 min/day.
- Part 2: Tested epoxy, copper, and fouling release coatings with varying UVC frequencies (continuous, 1min/6h, 1min/day) and distances (25mm, 50mm).
Main Results:
- 1 min/day UVC prevented hard fouling but not biofilm on epoxy.
- Continuous UVC prevented all settlement but damaged copper coatings.
- Intermittent UVC (1min/6h, 1min/day) effectively prevented biofouling on copper and fouling release coatings.
- Observed variations in fouling composition indicated potential community tolerances.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent UVC irradiation shows promise as an eco-friendly method for biofouling control on ship hulls.
- Coating type and UVC exposure parameters significantly influence biofouling prevention efficacy and potential material damage.
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