Learn more about the The Role of Algaecides in Marine Antifouling Paints, Proven Effectiveness Of OMADINE® Fungicides-Algaecides, and Zinc OMADINE® Biocide Efficacy.
The Role of Algaecides in Marine Antifouling Paints
Marine fouling on the bottom of ships is a real problem from both a cost and performance standpoint. The increased friction caused by uncontrolled growth of marine fouling organisms reduces the speed of a vessel and causes an increase in fuel consumption.
Since man first ventured into the sea, he has searched for solutions to this problem. The key has been finding a material that will disrupt the life cycle of these organisms, and thus prevent their accumulation and growth on the surfaces they protect while not impacting the environment. Long-term self polishing antifouling paints have become the preferred solution for the marine fouling problem as they prevent biofouling on ships between dry-docking intervals. By protecting against fouling, these paints lower a ship's drag, thereby reducing the operating cost suffered by vessels with fouling.
Historically, tributyltin (TBT) has been the agent most often used in this application. Tributyltin is effective against both soft and hard fouling organisms. However, in spite of its performance, attributes the negative impact of tributyltin compounds on the marine environment and its long half life in the environment, has prompted marine paint manufacturers to look for a nonpersistent alternative.
One approach is using an algaecide, which is effective against soft fouling organisms, in combination with cuprous oxide, which is effective against hard fouling organisms. Answering this call, Arch's zinc OMADINE® fungicide-algaecide, was introduced to meet the above needs. Zinc OMADINE® biocide is a proven performer currently in use worldwide. It is a superior and dependable antifouling agent for use in marine paints for the control of soft fouling plants and organisms.
In marine paints containing zinc OMADINE® biocide, a copper antifoulant must also be used to control the hard fouling organisms. When zinc OMADINE® biocide is used in combination with cuprous oxide or copper thiocyanate it provides very effective control of both hard and soft fouling. Once zinc OMADINE® biocide is released from a ship's coating it disappears quickly from the environment.
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Proven Effectiveness Of OMADINE® Fungicides-Algaecides
Zinc OMADINE® fungicide-algaecide (Arch's brand name for zinc pyrithione) has been thoroughly tested by marine paint companies worldwide and now enjoys widespread commercial use in antifouling paints in both marine and yacht applications. In 1996 Arch (now Arch Chemicals) introduced copper OMADINE® fungicide-algaecide (Arch's brand name for copper pyrithione) for use in marine paints to assist paint companies who require a more gelling resistant antifoulant, but this product is not registered with the US EPA and is not currently available for sale in the US. It is extensively used in Europe and Asia because of its ease in making stable antifouling paints.
OMADINE® biocides have a broad spectrum of activity against algae, bacteria slime, fungi and diatoms. The OMADINE® biocides are tin-free and are environmentally nonpersistent. Zinc OMADINE® biocide is not a skin sensitizer. The combination of excellent algaecidal activity and extremely low water solubility makes zinc OMADINE® biocide a product with superb, long lasting antifouling performance.
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