Polyurethane seismic streamer skins: an application of cold spray metal embedment

Biofouling. 2013;29(1):1-9. doi: 10.1080/08927014.2012.741682.

Abstract

Cold spray metal embedment is an innovative antifouling (AF) technology that delivers metal particles with AF properties into many thermoplastic polymers. AF efficacy was quantified for low (22.1 ± 4.8 g m(-2)) and high (101.1 ± 10.8 g m(-2)) densities of copper particles embedded into polyurethane (PU) seismic streamer skins, which are used in geophysical exploration. Failure of each Cu-embedded treatment was defined as settlement of hard foulers. Low-density streamers failed after 42 days while high-density streamers failed after 210 days. Most importantly, the high-density streamers were completely free of hard foulers including the barnacle Amphibalanus reticulatus during this time period. In conclusion, cold-spray metal embedment is an effective AF technology for PU seismic streamer skins, under intense fouling conditions. Higher copper particle densities enhance AF longevity and the effect of density provides a tool to extend efficacy and enhance AF performance for specific polymers.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adhesiveness
  • Animals
  • Biofouling / prevention & control*
  • Bryozoa / drug effects
  • Bryozoa / growth & development
  • Copper / chemistry*
  • Copper / pharmacology
  • Invertebrates
  • Pest Control / methods*
  • Polychaeta / drug effects
  • Polychaeta / growth & development
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polymers / pharmacology
  • Polyurethanes / chemistry*
  • Species Specificity
  • Surface Properties
  • Thoracica / drug effects
  • Thoracica / growth & development
  • Time Factors
  • Ulva / drug effects
  • Ulva / growth & development

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Polyurethanes
  • Copper