Importance

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Abstract

A marine structure submersible in seawater, such as a hull, which when electrically activated is then resistant to fouling by marine organisms. The hull is formed by a structural laminate having a core sandwiched between inner and outer skins. The outer skin which forms the exposed surface of the hull is coated with a metallic paint defining a cathodic electrode. The core is constituted by balsa wood or foam plastic modules attached to an open-mesh scrim that includes conductive fibers to create an electrical grid defining an anodic electrode that is embedded in the laminate. Impressed across the electrodes is a direct voltage to establish an electric field causing marine organisms which seek to foul the hull surface to migrate away from this surface. Alternatively, the cathodic electrode may be formed by an open-mesh scrim defining an electrical grid interposed between the core and the outer skin.

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First Claim