Trial results support antifouling biocide combination

The trial saw 35 paint formulations with a twelve-month lifespan placed into static testing environments in the Caribbean, Eastern North Sea, North Mediterranean and in the Japanese Sea.

The formulations were developed using active ingredient compositions that comprise varying concentrations of Selektope®, SEA-NINE™ 211N and SEA-NINE™ ULTRA with other commonly used ingredients for marine antifoulant applications. 

After six months all test paint formulations had performed as well as, or better than, the commercial paint references. Formulations with SEA-NINE ULTRA (2%) and Selektope (0.1%) content showed excellent performance at reduced total biocide concentrations.

In addition to providing proof of concept, the trial saw the the development of a data pool of coating formulations that can be used by antifouling coating manufacturers to support the trialling of new combinations of existing, available biocides without the need to conduct initial R&D exploration activities.

I-Tech’s technology, Selektope and LANXESS’ technologies, SEA-NINE 211N and SEA-NINE ULTRA belong to a rare set of active agents that are approved by regulatory bodies in leading nations for ship repair and ship building markets. The joint R&D work undertaken by I-Tech and LANXESS represents the first time that these solutions have been used as co-biocides in marine antifouling coating formulations.