Center for Corrosion and Biofouling Control (CCBC)
Geoffrey Swain, Ph.D., Professor, Oceanography and Ocean Engineering, Director
The mission of the center is to understand the processes of biofouling and corrosion, and to develop and apply innovative solutions for control and prevention. Its objectives are to advance the state-of-the-art in corrosion and biofouling control; to establish mutually beneficial collaborative relationships with local, national and international university, government and industrial partners; and to provide graduate and undergraduate students a world-class research and educational experience that prepares them for both academic and industrial professional opportunities.
Current research activities include testing and evaluation of antifouling systems; investigation of hydrodynamic performance of ship hull coatings and the effectiveness of ship hull cleaning programs; the mechanisms of adhesion and release of fouling to novel biocide-free coating systems; the development of biomimetic materials for underwater propulsion; and methods for the prevention and remediation of corrosion on steel hulled sailing ships.