Fall 2009 - Florida Tech Today - Florida Institute of Technology

Continued from page 35
With an estimated 4 percent of the world’s
greenhouse gases emanating from ships, a more efficient
fleet contributes to a greener planet.
Today, many ships use biocide-free silicone fouling
release coatings, which Swain’s group has helped
to develop. These coatings work much like a sticky
stamp that is attached to a backing paper, yet easily
peeled away. With silicone coatings, marine growth
can attach to the hull but is easily removed.
This has paved the way for another facet of
Swain’s research—the concept of hull grooming.
“One of the most exciting projects we’re involved
with at the moment is a fully autonomous underwater
grooming device,” says Swain. Designed and
developed by SeaRobotics Corp. and ONR, the Hull
BUG (Bioinspired Underwater Grooming) is a marine
maintenance vehicle that operates much like a pool
cleaner or robotic vacuum. The machine suctions to
the hull of a ship at port and goes to work removing
marine growth before it builds up and requires costly
and extensive cleaning. It’s a proactive approach to
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biofouling prevention and a technology the team is
eager to introduce to the shipping industry.
Contributing to solutions that make a positive
impact is at the heart of Swain’s work, as is interacting
with his students.
“I enjoy this group because I know we contribute
to improving antifouling technology and that
will make shipping and marine industries more efficient
and therefore more environmentally friendly.
The students do excellent work, and I am fortunate
because I interact with a fun group of people who are
motivated to find solutions, and that is a good feeling.”
Christena Callahan
Top, left: Graduate student Abe Stephens uses a water jet
to measure the adhesion strength of biofouling to a series of
biocide-free fouling release coatings.
Top, right and bottom: Panel inspection and testing at the
static immersion test raft moored at the Hubbs-SeaWorld
Research Institute marina site just north of Sebastian Inlet.
The 30’ hydrodynamic research boat is moored alongside.