Vucko, M.J., King, P.C, Poole, A.J., Jahedi, M.Z, and De Nys, R. (2013) Polyurethane seismic streamer skins: an application of cold spray metal embedment. Biofouling, 29 (1). pp. 1-9.

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Abstract

Cold spray metal embedment is an innovative antifouling (AF) technology that delivers metal particles with AF properties into many thermoplastic polymers. AF efficacy was quantified for low (22.1 ± 4.8 g m⁻2) and high (101.1 ± 10.8 g m⁻2) densities of copper particles embedded into polyurethane (PU) seismic streamer skins, which are used in geophysical exploration. Failure of each Cu-embedded treatment was defined as settlement of hard foulers. Low-density streamers failed after 42 days while high-density streamers failed after 210 days. Most importantly, the high-density streamers were completely free of hard foulers including the barnacle Amphibalanus reticulatus during this time period. In conclusion, cold-spray metal embedment is an effective AF technology for PU seismic streamer skins, under intense fouling conditions. Higher copper particle densities enhance AF longevity and the effect of density provides a tool to extend efficacy and enhance AF performance for specific polymers.

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