New nano technology Hydrophobic Bottom Paint on horizon...

[h20man]

There is an interesting article in the Independent regarding a paper published (paywall) in the Science Journal about a new Superhydrophobic perfluorosilane-coated titanium dioxide nanoparticle paint that keeps clothes clean... AND can be used as bottom paint.

The hydrophobic tendency of the titanium-dioxide paint is so strong that when the bottoms of toy boats were coated with it they floated higher in the water. If the same coating could be applied to the hulls of full-size ships they would need between 10 and 15 per cent less fuel

claims Professor Ivan Parkin, head of chemistry at University College London.

This material (if truly hydrophobic) could also help keep boat bottoms clean.

There is no timetable as to the time to market of this material. But... a 5 year horizon is probably realistic.

[tookish1]

Please watch your language - ladies may be present.

I do like the idea of calling dirt dwellers "hydrophobes" though.

Yay science!