Akbari - Marun petrochemical Company, Research center, Tehran, Iran
Mirabedin - Polymer & Petrochemical Institute, Surface Coatings Department, Tehran, Iran
Pazok - Polymer & Petrochemical Institute, Surface Coatings Department, Tehran, Iran

With the imminent ban on the application of coatings of toxic TBT self-polishing co-polymers in January 2003 and their eventual prohibition in 2008 so, the second and more novel approach to fouling control and consequently drag reduction force is to make the surface “non-stick”, and prevent fouling attachment without the use of biocides (silicone fouling release coatings). An experimental study has been carried out to evaluate the drag characteristics of different toxic self-polishing co-polymers and a nontoxic silicone foul release coating. Drag measurements have been performed on a smooth aluminum cylinder connected to a rotor device. Various coatings on cylinders were examined and differential length technique was also used to avoid the end effects during rotation. AFM studies revealed a lower surface roughness for silicone FR coating as compared to SPC coatings. Also, its surface texture is considerably different from SPC coatings.

Drag force, Self-polishing co-polymer, Foul release coating, Roughness