Aluminum-lithium-xanti-fouling coatings

Abstract

An aluminum/lithium/x formulation for steel, plastic, wood, aluminum and the like utilizing, as a pigment, particles of aluminum/lithium/x dust from 1 micron to 100 microns (0.04 mils to 4.0 mils) having a ratio of 0.1 to 6.0 percent of lithium to 99.9 to 94.0% aluminum. Other (x) alloying materials may be magnesium, copper and the like. Said pigment is resistant to fouling by barnacles and the like. Heat treating the aluminum-lithium alloy surface produces lithium at 10 percent or above thus making the surface toxic or repellent to many bacteria and higher trophic organisms. The aluminum-lithium alloy contains no toxic heavy metals and is generally environmentally benign and leach resistant.

1 . An aluminum-lithium alloy dust formulation for protecting steel, aluminum, wood and the like from the bio-fouling damage.  
   
   
       2 . An aluminum-lithium alloy dust formulation which in both fresh and salt water discourages the set down of mussels and barnacles and the like on surfaces in immersion.  
   
   
       3 . An aluminum-lithium alloy dust with the pH at the surface of the alloy at pH 10 or above and consequently repulsive to bacteria and some higher trophic organisms.  
   
   
       4 . The material in  claim 1  where the lithium is 0.1 to 6.0 percent by weight of the aluminum-lithium alloy.  
   
   
       5 . The material in  claim 1  where the alloy of aluminum-lithium has been heated to 300° C. to 350° C. under an inert gas atmosphere for 10 to 15 minutes thereby concentrating the lithium on the surface of the alloy.  
   
   
       6 . The material in  claim 3  where the hygienic protection facilitates sanitary decontamination of surfaces.  
   
   
       7 . The material in  claim 3  where the lithium in the aluminum-lithium alloy is 0.1 to 6.0 percent by weight.  
   
   
       8 . The material in  claim 3  where the alloy of aluminum-lithium has been heated to 300° C. to 350° C. for 10 to 15 minutes in an inert atmosphere thereby concentrating the lithium at the surface of the alloy.