Investigating the properties of foul release coatings
The primary role of fouling protection is to limit the increase of frictional drag as a result of surface deterioration and biofouling accumulation. Failure in this pursuit results in either increased power to maintain a given speed or reduced speed at a given input power, both of which have associated economic penalties.
In this paper Joanna van Helmond, Global Product Manager Antifouling, PPG Protective and Marine Coatings investigates fouling release coatings and why the use of friction coefficient is the optimal way to measure the hull surface impact on drag reduction.