Enhancing Lifetime and Reducing Costs for Fish Diversion Netting Structures (Final Report)

In this effort Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) developed and demonstrated an anti-fouling coating that is effective on fish diversion structures. The coating was based on a previously developed superhydrophobic lubricant infused composite (SLIC) coating but modified for application to flexible substrates. We showed that the new reformulated coating – FlexiSLIC – can be applied to flexible fibrous structures to significantly reduce biofouling of netting and anchor lines, to enable longer operational lifetimes, reduced costs, and more reliable operations. The coating developed in this effort was tested on relevant fish diversion structural netting and rope materials (e.g. nylon, Dyneema, polypropylene) to reduce biofouling. Engagement with industry in the development and demonstration further supported progress toward commercialization of the materials.