Naval Researchers Develop New Coating for Shipboard Applications
Scientists in the Chemistry Division at the Naval Research Laboratory have developed a novel two-component siloxane-based non-skid coating for use on flight-decks and walk-ways of U.S. Navy ships. The new coating is more durable, color retentive, chemical resistant and cheaper due to a longer life expectancy than traditional epoxy-based coatings. This research is funded by the Office of Naval Research's (ONR's) Future Naval Capability Program (Dr. Airan Perez) and supported by Naval Sea Systems Command.
John Wegand, Program Team Member, at NRL's Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering, explains "The new siloxane-based coating possesses greater external durability in harsh operational environments, improved traction capabilities, ease of application and most importantly, a longer life-span reducing the overall cost of the elements compared to the current epoxy and amine component coating. The new coating is quite versatile; it can be rolled or spray-applied over either a primed or bare-metal surface. We have noted extremely positive results from our recent demonstrations conducted on several Navy ships based in Norfolk, Virginia."