Products for the Marine Industry

We provide a complete line of patented, non-stick Fluorinated Polyurethane (FPU^TM) marine coatings, which we manufacture under licenses from the U. S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). The NRL formulas make it possible, for the first time, to apply these non-stick polymers in a thin film, without heat curing, using conventional painting equipment. NRL has tested these coatings for 20 years. The Navy Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAEC) specifies (FPU^TM) for its welded-steel fuel tanks and (FPU^TM) systems are certified in the Lloyds Registry (Refined Spirits Tanks, Crude Oil Tanks, and Bilge and Double Hull Void Spaces).

An FPU™ surface has a very low surface energy; it is chemically extremely stable (non-reactive), flexible, abrasion resistant, and impermeable to oxygen and water. The coating provides:

• Barrier-effect corrosion protection. Its impermeability halts corrosion by preventing oxygen and hydroxide (OH) ions from reaching the metal surface.
• Long service life. Its chemical stability allows it to withstand heat and UV radiation without harm (e.g., it will not chalk). Its flexibility allows it to resist chipping.
• Easy cleaning. Its low surface energy produces a non-stick finish that resists soiling. Its chemical stability allows the finish to withstand most solvents.
• Reduced Drag. Its low surface energy reduces resistance in both air and water.
• Nontoxic. Its chemical stability prevents the coating from degrading contaminating products into the environment. Its non-reactive nature makes it so chemically inert that an FPU™ system (AS4020) is approved in Australia for portable water applications.

These properties translate into improved performance, and lower cost of ownership. (FPU^TM) coatings reduce: the need for maintenance, the maintenance effort, and the maintenance downtime.

We manufacture several FPU-based products that are optimized for various marine applications, including the following:

• Top Side
• Decks, Walkways, and Stairs
• Splash Zone
• Below the Water Line
• Mechanical Areas, Tanks, and Hull Spaces

Top Side

We offer three products for application topside, above the water line, depending on the environment:

FPU WC-1 provides cost-effective FPU protection, producing a super-slick surface that is chemical resistant, flexible, abrasion resistant, and inhibits corrosion because it is impermeable to oxygen, and actually repels water. The photo at the right shows the USCG Tampa, with a WC-1 Top Coat on the top side and superstructure.

FPU WC-1 (ICE) is a variety of WC-1 that is enhanced to provide ice releasing.

FPU WC-15 is optimized to provide enhanced mechanical toughness, UV resistance, and protection against salt-water corrosion. It is useful for environments that require protection against extreme weathering.

Decks, Walkways, and Stairs

FPU WC-1 (NS) is blended with a soft, (non-cutting) traction-enhancing additive that provides an excellent non-skid surface for wet or slippery floors, walkways, or stairs.

Splash Zone

FPU WC-15 Clear is optimized to provide enhanced mechanical toughness, UV resistance and protection against salt-water corrosion.

Below the Water Line

We offer two products for below the water line, depending on your performance goals:

FPU WC-15 (E) White is optimized to reduce drag and provide moderate resistance to fouling. WC-15 is available in other colors, but White is recommended to minimize fouling.

NAFDAC 15 (FPU^TM) provides a Nontoxic Anti-Fouling coating. This Dual Action Coating has: (1) a super-slick finish that makes it hard for the fouling organism to stick its adhesive to the coating, (2) a tough rubbery surface that makes the organism's bond break easily. It lasts for 10 years, actually reduces drag, is effective against algae and grasses, and is self-cleaning (fouling falls off at speeds more than 25 Knots).

Mechanical Areas, Tanks, and Hull Spaces

We offer the following products for mechanical areas, depending on your performance goals:

FPU WC-1 (TH) provides cost-effective FPU protection, plus thermal resistance.

FPU WC-1 (C) provides cost-effective FPU protection, plus abrasion resistance.

FPU WC-15 is optimized to provide enhanced mechanical toughness, UV resistance and protection against salt-water corrosion. It is Lloyds certified (MATS/2481/1) for Salt Water Ballast Tanks.

FPU WC-15 (TH) is optimized for applications that require both UV protection and thermal resistance but do not require flexibility or extreme (full immersion) chemical resistance. It is intended for exterior applications above the waterline.

FPU WC-15 (C) is optimized for applications that require both UV protection and abrasion resistance, but do not require flexibility or extreme (full immersion) chemical resistance. It is intended for exterior applications above the waterline.

FPU WC-5 is optimized for applications that require flexibility; resistance to petrochemicals and corrosive wastes but do not require UV protection. It is intended for interior applications such as machine rooms, or the lining of CHT tanks. It is Lloyds certified for Refined Spirits Tanks (MATS/2482/1), Crude Oil Tanks (MATS/2483/1), and Bilge and Double Hull Void Spaces (MATS/2484/1)