Piezoelectric polymer antifouling coating
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsBruce J. Wooden, Seymour Edelman
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Abstract
An antifouling coating for marine structures in the form of a film containing piezoelectric polymer material, which, when electrically activated vibrates at a selected frequency to present a surface interfacing with water which is inhospitable for attachment of vegetable and animal life including free-swimming organisms thereby discouraging their attachment and their subsequent growth thereon to the macrofoulant adult stage.
Claims15
A coating for reducing fouling on marine structures comprising:
- a film containing piezoelectric polymer secured over substantially the entire surface of the marine structure and separating said surface from water which contains animal and vegetable fouling organisms;
- said film having one of its sides in electrical contact with the surface of the marine structure and its other side in electrical contact with the water with which it interfaces;
- an electrical power source applying alternating signal across the film;
- said alternating signal having a wave form with a quick reversal of direction at its peak thereby causing the film to flick sharply at the film surface for throwing off attaching organisms.
A coating for a marine structure for reducing marine fouling thereon comprising:
- a film containing piezoelectric polymer secured over substantially the entire surface of the marine structure separating said surface from water which contains barnacle forming larvae at their attaching stage in life;
- said film comprising plural layers of piezoelectric polymer and an electrically conductive sheet sandwiched between the layers defining a common electrode therefore;
- said film having one side in electrical contact with the surface of the marine structure to which it is secured and its other side in electrical contact with the water;
- a power source applying an alternating signal between the common electrode and both the marine structure surface and other side of the film for electrically activating the piezoelectric polymer layers therebetween for causing vibration of the film at frequencies which the larvae find inhospitable for attachment.
A coating for a marine structure for reducing marine fouling thereon comprising:
- a film containing piezoelectric polymer secured over the marine structure separating its surface from water which contains barnacle forming larvae at their attaching stage in life;
- said film comprising plural layers of piezoelectric polymer and an electrically conductive sheet sandwiched between the layers defining a common electrode therefore;
- said film having one side in electrical contact with the surface of the marine structure to which it is secured and its other side in electrical contact with the water;
- a power source applying an alternating signal between the common electrode and both the marine structure surface and other side of the film for electrically activating the piezoelectric polymer layers therebetween for causing vibration of the film at frequencies which the larvae find inhospitable for attachment;
- said signal further having a wave form with a quick reversal of direction at its peak for causing the film to flick sharply for increasing inhospitality of the film by throwing off would be attaching larvae.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.