In order to provide affordable and sustainable energy to coastal regions the kinetic energy of waves, tides, and ocean currents are being harnessed through the development of Marine Hydrokinetic (MHK) technology. Since 2008, U.S. MHK devices tested in the open waters were found to have a number of materials and coating related issues. During their brief operation (8 weeks–1 year), the MHK industry noted mooring failure, connection failure (metal-composite), sediment fouling, sediment erosion, structural failure (composites), biofouling, and corrosion as materials and coatings problem areas.. These early stage demonstrations often employed designs using materials and coatings to primarily validate performance and not reliability. Coatings used were based upon meeting environmental policies that limited or negated the use of commercial coatings. The deployed projects also had limited or no structural health monitoring or non-destructive inspection of failed critical components during/after manufacture, delivery, setup, or during operation. To avoid and reduce these listed effects we have investigated how to improve current material selections and coatings formulations. This talk will review how materials chemistry is being used to advance MHK technology. The synthesis and characterization of antifouling and anticorrosion coatings as well as how salt water affects composite material’s resin, adhesive, and fiber (glass, carbon) properties will be discussed.

Advancing marine hydrokinetic energy technology through materials chemistry

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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