In self polishing/erodible antifoulings, a resin of active ingredients (biocides) repels/discourages fouling. Once in water, the resin breaks down in a controlled way, continually exposing fresh biocide layers. This gives constant performance throughout the season, and reduces build-up of old antifouling.
In hard antifoulings, the coat’s high levels of insoluble resin make it hard and stop erosion. The resin’s packed with active ingredients, and the particles are so close that as one dissolves the next is exposed. Hardness and durability makes these antifoulings ideal for fast power boats, mud-berthed vessels and racing yachts (burnishing the antifouling with wet abrasive paper before launch gives a smooth finish).
Thin-film antifoulings do not work by releasing active substances into the water, but rather through the very smooth surface, which makes it difficult for organisms to adhere. The smooth surface is created by a PTFE additive. The antifouling effect is further enhanced by the copper components incorporated in the binder. The extremely smooth surface ensures extremely low frictional resistance in the water, thus ensuring higher speeds and lower fuel consumption. The antifoulings are also characterized by a very fast drying time.
Hybrid antifoulings combine the advantages of hard antifoulings and self-polishing antifoulings. With significantly improved fouling protection compared to conventional copper-containing antifoulings, the active ingredients are released in a more optimized manner and in much smaller quantities, which benefits the environment.