Navy Lab Creates More Durable Non-Skid Coating
Naval Research Laboratory scientists developed a siloxane-based coating for use on flight decks and walkways. The lab reports it is more durable and chemical resistant than traditional, epoxy-based coatings.
A new non-skid coating for use on flight decks and walkways of U.S. Navy ships has been developed by scientists in the Chemistry Division at the Naval Research Laboratory, an agency that has just celebrated its 89th birthday. NRL opened for business July 2, 1923, and today is the Navy's lead laboratory in space systems research, fire research, tactical electronic warfare, microelectronic devices, and artificial intelligence, according to news releases written by the lab's Donna McKinney.
She reported the non-skid coating is siloxane-based and more durable and chemical resistant than traditional, epoxy-based coatings. The research is funded by the Office of Naval Research's Future Naval Capability Program and supported by the Naval Sea Systems Command.
Earlier this year, a team from the laboratory, along with researchers from Virginia Tech and the University of Pennsylvania, tested the Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot (SAFFiR), a humanoid robot firefighter designed for use aboard Navy vessels.