In an article presenting new antifouling solutions we have combined the Mirapakon MK300 with other nanoparticle-based products. We made this amalgam, because until now, no indication on the real composition of the product had yet been indicated: we just knew that the product"presents itself as a transparent film on which living matter has difficulty fixing itself" or that it is"a chemical formulation that sends a message to living organisms to repel them". Quite mysterious all the same..
Today Olivier Marion, Chemist Director Product Development Mirapakon unveil a little more at Bateaux.com :
" The Mirapakon product is not at all like a classic painting. A classic marine paint is a mixture in a solvent of different compounds such as pigments, binders, thickeners and molecules active against biofouling (including copper for example).
The paints that use nanoparticles are classic paints (as I just described) with the difference that the molecules active against biofouling are nanoparticles.
Mirapakon doesn't want nanoparticles
To get an idea of what nanoparticles are, we can read the Wikipedia article (https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanoparticule). Here, I site this article:"Toxicological studies clearly demonstrate that the very small size of nanoparticles is a key element at the level of toxicity, especially at the level of particles that are insoluble or poorly soluble [...] surface properties, the ability to induce free radicals or to release certain ions can also substantially influence toxicity. Several pulmonary effects have been documented including the ability of certain nanoparticles to induce pulmonary granulomas." Since there appear to be environmental and health problems directly related to nanoparticles, Mirapakon has made the choice not to use them in its products.
A silica mebrane against fouling
Mirapakon technology is really different from conventional paints. It is a silica membrane that chemically grafts itself onto surfaces. In the Mirapakon product container, it is not a mixture of different compounds, it is a stabilized reaction medium. When Mirapakon is placed on a surface, the solvent evaporates, allowing the chemical reaction to complete and the protective film to form. The first Mirapakon products for the maritime sector formed hydrophobic surfaces on which marine organisms had difficulty clinging, which made it easy to wash the hull of boats when biofouling occurred (fouling release properties)
A new generation of products in development
The new generation Mirapakon product has undergone chemical modification to create a surface that actively fights biofilm formation (even if no biocide is released into the environment). This active surface will not completely eliminate the development of biofouling, but will delay its appearance (in most cases). Moreover, the fouling release effect is always present.
Still in research phase
The technology developed by Mirapakon is very generic (it can be easily modified) and we are constantly looking for more effective products in different applications. In order to meet the demands of boat owners, we are currently developing a range of Mirapakon products that will offer greater biocidal activity while being as environmentally friendly as possible. "
Mirapakon is in the development phase and new products, particularly for operating in warmer waters than Canada, are being tested. We will keep you informed of the results of these tests. We very much hope that they will be effective, because they go in the direction of ecological navigation.
