PPG has launched SIGMAGLIDE 1290, a 100% silicone binder fouling release system that utilizes a breakthrough dynamic surface regeneration technology to eliminate slime problems and increase fuel savings.

Through chemical engineering of the 100% pure silicone binder system at a molecular level, PPG has been able to design the optimal configuration for the silicone coating surface. This results in an increased silicone density at the surface to such a degree that slime organisms do not recognize it as a surface substrate and have no chance to settle on it. This significantly extends the effectiveness of the coating.

One of the well-known drawbacks of fouling release technologies is that their effectiveness reduces over time. This is often seen at the waterline where the impact of sunlight, dirt and UV radiation has a negative effect and leads to the aggregation of slime.

PPG’s R&D team has been able to overcome this problem by engineering SIGMAGLIDE 1290 to include dynamic surface regeneration properties. These allow water to act as a catalyst to lower the surface energy of the coating back to its original state and thus restart its beneficial surface configuration properties. As a result, customers will experience no loss in performance and improved stability of the product throughout its lifetime.

The product is suitable for all vessel types and also when long stationary periods are to be considered such as FPSOs. It also brings significant benefits for cruise and ferry operators as well as owners of tankers, bulkers, gas carriers, dredgers and containerships.

Over the past decade, the cruise industry has also benefitted considerably from the SIGMAGLIDE system thanks to a combination of its proven fuel saving, aesthetic benefits and ability to deliver a fast return on investment. SIGMAGLIDE 1290 builds on the already proven successes of the SIGMAGLIDE fouling release range, which has been utilized on over 400 vessels worldwide including many cruise ships.

As fouling doesn’t adhere, even at lower speed, SIGMAGLIDE 1290 is also beneficial for the offshore industry where assets are static or for vessels that are slow steaming but still require a high level of fouling protection.

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