FOULFREE

What Foulfree is and why choose it

Foulfree by Propspeed is a clear, silicone-based coating engineered to prevent fouling on the face and housing of marine transducers. Fouling and marine growth on transducers reduce sensitivity and degrade bottom-echo returns and fish targets. Foulfree forms a slick, glossy surface that marine growth cannot easily adhere to, helping keep the transducer face clean so it can perform at its peak over time. AIRMAR certifies that applying Foulfree coating on its transducers results in no loss of transducer performance.

Main features

• Purpose-built anti-fouling for transducers – Designed specifically as a fouling-preventative coating for transducers installed on boats.
• Clear, glossy finish – Colourless coating that maintains a clean, professional look on the transducer face and housing.
• Silicone polymer binder – Forms a slick, low-friction surface that discourages adhesion of marine growth.
• Zero toxic substances – The system provides fouling prevention without toxic biocides.
• Long service life and easy recoating – Designed for durable performance and can be recoated after complete removal of the old coating.
• Verified performance – Certified by AIRMAR for no loss of transducer performance when applied correctly.
• Kit-based system – Uses dedicated products for each step: XDclean cleaner, XDPrime adhesion-promoting primer (where applicable) and Foulfree clear coat, plus Foulfree Multi-Surface where specified.
• Controlled drying times – Touch-dry and hard-dry times support overnight curing before launch under standard conditions.

Technical characteristics

Foulfree clear coat (transducer coating)

• Product type: 1-pack polysiloxane / silicone polymer clear coat.
• Binder type: Silicone polymer.
• Solvent: Aromatic/aliphatic blend.
• Colour: Clear coating.
• Finish: Glossy.
• Dry time at 20 °C: Approximately 3 hours touch dry, 8 hours hard dry.
• Minimum dry time before launch: 8 hours; in colder conditions (5–13 °C) at least 24 hours before launch.
• Theoretical coverage: 11 m²/L (448 sq ft/US gallon).
• Recommended wet film thickness: 90 microns per coat.
• Appearance (physical): Liquid, colourless, transparent, solvent odour.
• Boiling point: 136.2–144.4 °C.
• Flash point: 28.2 °C.
• Explosive limits (vapour in air): Lower 1.1 %, upper 7 %.
• Vapour pressure: 1,333 Pa at 32 °C.
• Density: 0.94–1.04 g/ml.
• Auto-ignition temperature: 432 °C.
• Viscosity: 500–800 mPa·s at 23–25 °C (Brookfield).
• Shelf life: 24 months.

System components within Foulfree kits

XDclean (transducer cleaner)

• Identified use: Cleaner for transducers installed on boats (component in Foulfree kits FF15K, FFKIT).
• Main component: tert-butyl acetate (≥ 99.9 %).
• Physical state: Liquid, colourless.
• Odour: Fruity/sweet.
• Boiling range: 95.1–97.8 °C.
• Flash point: 16.6–22.2 °C.
• Vapour pressure: 6.3 kPa at 25 °C.
• Density: 0.866 g/cm³ at 20 °C.
• Solubility in water: Partially soluble (≈ 6.7 g/L).

XDPrime (adhesion-promoting primer)

• Identified use: Adhesion promoter primer for transducers in the marine industry.
• Chemical nature: Mixture of inorganic and organic compounds.
• Key components: Octamethyltrisiloxane, tetrakis(2-butoxyethyl) orthosilicate, tetra n-butyl titanate.
• Appearance: Colourless liquid with slight odour.
• Boiling point: > 100 °C.
• Flash point (closed cup): 27 °C.
• Density: approx. 0.82 (water = 1).
• Kinematic viscosity: 1.3 mm²/s at 25 °C.

Foulfree Multi-Surface (where supplied)

• Identified use: Protective coating for composite substrates (component in Foulfree kits FFKITMS-S, FFKITMS-M).
• Chemical nature: Polydimethylsiloxane and alkoxysilane crosslinker.
• Physical state: Liquid, colourless, solvent odour.
• Boiling range: 136.2–144.4 °C.
• Flash point: 28.2 °C.
• Density: 0.94–1.04 g/ml.
• Viscosity: 500–800 mPa·s at 23 °C.

Applications and use cases

Typical uses

• Transducer face and housing – As a fouling-preventative clear coat on the face and plastic housing of marine transducers installed on boats.
• Plastic fairing blocks – When used on plastic fairing blocks (polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, etc.), adhesion can be improved by sanding the fairing block surface with 40-grit sandpaper (sold separately) before coating.
• Composite substrates (Multi-Surface) – As a protective coating for composite substrates where Foulfree Multi-Surface is part of the kit.

Surface preparation and application overview

Fairing blocks only

1. Abrade the plastic fairing block with 40-grit sandpaper to achieve a roughened surface.
2. Remove all sanding residue.

Transducer face and housing

1. Remove fouling and any previous coatings from the transducer housing and face using the abrasive pad provided.
2. In case of heavy fouling, carefully scrape the face with a metal putty knife held perpendicular to the surface, then follow with a wet sanding block. Do not gouge or scratch the transducer face. Do not use a power sander or pressure washer.
3. Lightly scuff the plastic housing and face; do not scour or deeply scratch the face.
4. Tape off any areas that should not be coated.
5. Clean the transducer face with the XDclean wipe provided, then immediately remove residues with a clean, dry rag. Ensure the surface is completely clean and dry.

Applying Foulfree clear coat

1. Squeeze Foulfree Transducer Coating onto the supplied application brush.
2. Apply one thin, even coat to the prepared surfaces.
3. Check for heavy runs or sags and smooth them within 5–10 minutes while the coating is still workable.
4. Allow to dry for at least 8 hours before launch at 20 °C. In colder conditions (5–13 °C), allow at least 24 hours.
5. The coated transducer can remain out of the water for extended periods in warm or cold climates without adverse effects.

FAQ

1. Does Foulfree affect transducer performance?

   AIRMAR certifies that the application of Foulfree coating on its transducers results in no loss in transducer performance when applied correctly.

2. On which parts of the transducer can I use Foulfree?

   Foulfree is intended for the transducer face and plastic housing, and for compatible plastic fairing blocks after proper surface preparation.

3. Can I sand the transducer face?

   Do not sand the transducer housing or face with sandpaper. Only use the supplied abrasive pad and, for heavy fouling, a carefully handled metal putty knife followed by a wet sanding block, avoiding any damage or deep scratches.

4. How long before launch after applying Foulfree?

   At 20 °C the coating requires a minimum of 8 hours before launching. At 5–13 °C wait at least 24 hours.

5. Is the Foulfree coating hard or soft?

   The coating is described as soft, so care is required to avoid mechanical damage. Avoid impacts and abrasion on the coated surface.

6. Can I recoat over an existing Foulfree layer?

   When recoating, the existing Foulfree coating must be removed completely before applying a new coat.

7. Is Foulfree suitable for aquaculture or food-contact equipment?

   No. The Propspeed system is not recommended or approved for use in aquaculture or in contact with food products.

8. What should I do if Foulfree is accidentally swallowed or contacts skin or eyes?

   If swallowed, rinse the mouth with water, do not induce vomiting and seek immediate medical attention. In case of skin contact, wash with soap and plenty of water. For eye contact, flush with plenty of clean water and seek medical attention. In case of inhalation, move to fresh air and seek medical attention.

9. Can Foulfree be stored on board?

   Yes, provided it is kept tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated place, away from naked flames, high-temperature equipment, moisture and direct sunlight.

10. What should I do with leftover product and used containers?

    Dispose of product and containers as hazardous waste according to local regulations. Do not release residues to drains or surface waters. Empty containers may contain flammable vapours and should be handled as hazardous.

Section 14 – Transport information

Foulfree clear coat and Foulfree Multi-Surface

• UN number: UN1263
• UN proper shipping name: PAINT
• Transport hazard class: 3
• Packing group: III
• Environmental hazards: Not classified as environmentally hazardous (ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA: No).
• Special precautions for user: Always transport in correct and secure packaging. Ensure that persons transporting the product know what to do in case of accident or accidental release.

XDclean

• UN number: UN1123
• UN proper shipping name: BUTYL ACETATES (Spanish SDS: ACETATOS DE BUTILO)
• Transport hazard class: 3
• Packing group: II
• Environmental hazards: Not classified as environmentally hazardous (ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA: No).
• Special precautions for user: Transport in correct and secure packaging; ensure carriers know actions to take in case of accident or spillage.

XDPrime

• UN number: UN1993
• UN proper shipping name: Flammable liquids
• Transport hazard class: 3
• Packing group: III
• Marine pollutant: No (sea transport IMO-IMDG).
• Special precautions for user: Follow all applicable transport regulations. Keep containers cool and upright; prevent leakage into drains or the environment.

Section 8 – Individual protection measures

General exposure controls

• Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
• Do not breathe vapours, fumes, spray or aerosols.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when using these products.
• Wash hands thoroughly before breaks and after work.
• Avoid any exposure for pregnant women to Foulfree and Foulfree Multi-Surface products.
• Ensure good general ventilation; use local exhaust where necessary.

Eye and face protection

• For Foulfree, Foulfree Multi-Surface and XDclean: use tight-fitting safety goggles or face shield that protects the sides of the eyes.
• For XDPrime: use chemical goggles.

Hand protection

• Foulfree and Foulfree Multi-Surface: Protective gloves are mandatory. Recommended for splash contact: nitrile rubber (>0.4 mm, breakthrough 10–30 min). Recommended for full immersion: butyl rubber (>0.3 mm, breakthrough >480 min).
• XDclean: Use nitrile rubber gloves (>0.4 mm, breakthrough >30 min).
• XDPrime: Use chemically resistant gloves. Preferred materials include butyl rubber, neoprene, nitrile/butadiene rubber, ethyl vinyl alcohol laminate, polyvinyl alcohol, PVC or Viton. Natural rubber (latex) is considered acceptable for some uses.
• Always follow glove supplier instructions on permeability and breakthrough times and adapt choice to local conditions and contact duration.

Skin and body protection

• Wear suitable protective clothing when handling Foulfree system products.
• For XDclean and XDPrime, wear long-sleeved, impervious protective clothing; for XDPrime use flame-retardant, anti-static protective equipment.

Respiratory protection

• Foulfree and Foulfree Multi-Surface: When exposure limits may be exceeded, use a full-face respirator in accordance with recognised European standards (e.g. NF EN 136) with an ABEK gas filter for vapours of inorganic and organic gases and acids, ammonia/amines. For aerosols or spray, use a combined ABEK-P2 filter.
• XDclean: Where adequate ventilation cannot be ensured or exposure limits may be exceeded, use suitable certified respirators (half-mask or full mask) with filter type A or ABEK according to recognised standards.
• XDPrime: Use an approved air-purifying respirator with an organic vapour cartridge where exposure could exceed limits or where irritation or discomfort occurs.
• Observe maximum wear times and manufacturer instructions for all respiratory protective devices.

*Contenido generado por IA