Hybrid, Interswift 655 combines elements of two different technologies

Citation

(2003), "Hybrid, Interswift 655 combines elements of two different technologies", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 32 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2003.12932aad.002

Hybrid, Interswift 655 combines elements of two different technologies

Hybrid, Interswift 655 combines elements of two different technologies

Keywords: Coatings, Anti-fouling paints

International Coatings Ltd., part of the Akzo Nobel group of companies, has introduced Interswift 655, a new, patented Hybrid TBT free antifouling incorporating copper acrylate technology.

Designed to compliment its existing range of TBT free antifouling products, the parents of Interswift 655 are the premium TBT free self polishing copolymer Intersmoothe Ecoloflex SPC and the controlled depletion polymer Interspeed 340, both of which are technologies claiming extensive track records.

Interswift 655 performance in service will be midway between Intersmooth Ecoloflex SPC and Interspeed 340 with an expected “Dataplan” satisfactory performance rating of 80 per cent in general trading.

It is reported that creating this new hybrid has been possible by carefully combining the patented copper acrylate SPC technology of Intersmooth Ecoloflex SPC with the Rosin-based controlled depletion polymer technology of Interspeed 340. This is said to result in an effective antifouling which has the (CDP) features of surface tolerance and attractive volume solids content, together with the (SPC) attributes of polishing rate control, control of biocide release and reduced leached layer size.

The combination of a hydrolysable copper acrylate polymer with Rosin to form this new hybrid antifouling has been patented by International. Performance has also been enhanced by the use of a biodegradable boosting biocide.

Interswift 655 is stated to be suitable for coastal, deep sea bulk cargo and scheduled ships at both maintenance and repair drydockings and new construction. For the vessel operator and newbuilding shipyard, this new product claims many attractive features and benefits:

• •

  It is stated to be TBT free which means freedom from TBT restrictions and associated waste disposal costs.

• •

  Controlled polishing rate and biocide release allow tailored specification design with optimum dry filmthickness.

• •

  Unique, patented copper acrylate SPC technology results in improved leached layer control.

• •

  Up to 36 months in service claimed for the vertical sides and up to 60 months for the flat bottom, (depending on vessel in service conditions and specification applied), offers flexibility in dry-dock interval.

• •

  It is surface tolerant which means freedom to apply over existing antifoulings in good condition (International will advise on this). Typically, no tie coat over TBT SPC products is required.

• •

  High volume solids content means control of solvent emissions.

• •

  Good mechanical properties give a more durable film.

• •

  Available in the popular dark red and brown colours.

The introduction of Interswift 655 continues to add to customer choice from International and offers a further option when considering TBT free antifouling protection.

Interswift 655 follows the world-wide release in 1997 of International’s premium TBT free antifouling technology, Intersmooth Ecoloflex SPC and the introduction in 1999 of Intersleek 700, said to be the world’s first foul release system for deep sea scheduled ships.

International believes that its commitment to comply with the IMO resolution on the “Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships” (as agreed at the IMO Diplomatic Conference in October 2001) continues with the introduction of Interswift 655.

The company’s future plans, having phased out all TBT antifoulings at the end of last year, now include:

1. 1.

   a sharp increase in the production capacity of its TBT free products;

2. 2.

   continued active promotion of TBT free products to marine customers.

Details available from International Coatings Ltd. Tel: +44 191 401 2417; Fax: +44 191 401 2561; E-mail: jim.brown@uk.akzonobel.com; Web site: www.international-marine.com