Landec seeks to develop improved antifouling marine coatings that do not contain toxic metal components thereby minimizing the environmental impact of metals like tin, copper or zinc on environmentally sensitive harbor and shore areas. Our goal is to build upon existing coating technology combined with Landec's thermal switch technology, resulting in a "thermally activated coating" system that exhibits intensified antifouling properties, particularly when the need is greatest, under specific climate and temperature conditions. In this manner we expect to not only deveop a coating exhibiting antifouling properties but also a coating that exhibits long term performance. Development of improved antifouling marine coatings is expected to have significant economic and environmental benefits for both military and commercial ships particularly in the form of (a) elimination of toxic metals form marine coatings, (b) improved shipping efficiency, (c) lowered fuel usage, (d) lowered operating cost and (e) increased ship speed.
