HYDROVEST® 2000: A Revolution for Anti Fouling Coatings – PFAS AND BIOCIDES FREE
INTRODUCTION
In marine and offshore industries, the battle against biofouling is a considerable challenge. The biological fouling that occur on hull surfaces not only increases fuel consumption but also requires highly maintenance services. Coatings World, a leading magazine in the field of coatings and additives, introduces an innovative solution: HYDROVEST™ 2000, patented by Maflon S.p.A. This new anti-fouling additive intends to totally transform the efficiency and sustainability of vessels.
Innovation Without Biocides
One of the most cutting-edge aspects of HYDROVEST® 2000 is its biocide-free formula. Traditionally, antifouling coatings use biocides to prevent the adhesion of bio foulants, but these chemical components have negative environmental impacts. HYDROVEST® 2000, on the other hand, creates an ecological approach, employing an advanced amphiphilic polymer that prevents bio foulant adhesion without the use of toxic substances.
Better Efficiency and Emissions Reduction
The performance of HYDROVEST® 2000 is impressive. Thanks to its unique properties, vessels coated with this product can achieve an instant energy saving of up to 20%*, with a speed loss of less than 1%*. This leads not only to reduced operational costs but also to a significant decrease in CO2 emissions. This combination of efficiency and sustainability makes HYDROVEST® 2000 an ideal choice for the future of the marine coating.
The success of HYDROVEST® 2000 is the result of an extraordinary cooperation between Maflon S.p.A. and the University of Pisa. This innovative project involved many students, who had the opportunity to work on a practical and impactful solution.
Technical Features
HYDROVEST® 2000 is designed as an amphiphilic polymer able to phase-segregate and self-assemble at the interface with the environment. These properties allow the coating to modify the system’s surface characteristics, creating a surface that confuses the recognition and adhesion mechanisms of bio foulants.
Biofouling Reduction
The addition of HYDROVEST® 2000 to antifouling coatings reduces the number of adhered biofoulings and facilitates their removal from treated surfaces. This is possible due to the polymers’ structure, which interferes with bio foulants’ settlement and facilitates their detachment under the shear stress generated by the vessel’s flow.
Optimized Proportions
One of the most remarkable quality of HYDROVEST® 2000 is that can be effective using a relatively small amount of additive, ≤ 10% by weight. This permits to maintain the convenient bulk properties of the coatings, such as low elastic modulus, while enhancing the surface properties.
Applications and Benefits
HYDROVEST® 2000 is ideal for a wide range of applications in marine and offshore sectors. Its properties make it suitable for: – Merchant and cruise ships – Offshore platforms and structures – Fishing boats and yachts
Main Benefits
– Reduced Maintenance Costs: Lower bio foulant adhesion means less requirement for cleaning and maintenance, reducing long-term operational costs. – Energy Efficiency: With improved hydrodynamics, vessels coated with HYDROVEST® 2000 consume less fuel. – Environmental Sustainability: Without the use of biocides and PFAS, the coating is environmentally friendly, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Conclusion
HYDROVEST® 2000 represents a breakthrough in the antifouling coatings sector. With its unique properties, the ability to improve energy efficiency and to reduce emissions, this coating stands out as an innovative and sustainable solution for the future of maritime transport. Coatings World is proud to introduce this technology, the result of a fruitful partnership between Maflon S.p.A. and the University of Pisa.
