Abstract: The present invention relates to derivatives of ?, ?-disubstituted amide compounds which comprise a substituted aryl at the ? carbon such that the substituent provides a means for attachment or incorporation of the compound to or in a polymer. The provision of such a substituent on the aryl has surprisingly been found not only to permit attachment to or incorporation n a polymer but also retention of useful antifouling activity. In embodiments, the substituent is selected from hydroxyl, ethers, esters, carboxyls, alkylsilyls and alkenyls. Experiments demonstrate that antifouling activity can be as good or better as the corresponding unsubstituted compound and that polymers functionalized so as to include or be formed from the substituted compound can be used to reduce settlement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to derivatives of ?,?-disubstituted amide compounds which comprise a substituted aryl at the ? carbon such that the substituent provides a means for attachment or incorporation of the compound to or in a polymer. The provision of such a substituent on the aryl has surprisingly been found not only to permit attachment to or incorporation in a polymer but also retention of useful antifouling activity. In embodiments, the substituent is selected from hydroxyl, ethers, es ters, carboxyls, alkylsilyls and alkenyls. Experiments demonstrate that antifouling activity can be as good or better as the corresponding unsubstituted compound and that polymers functionalised so as to include or be formed from the substituted compound can be used to reduce settlement.

Abstract: A pontoon-type floating structure comprising an upper deck that is to be maintained above water level and that is to receive and support a load by the load resting thereon; and a horizontal array of chambers disposed underneath the upper deck, with the chambers providing a first set of chambers that provide the structure with buoyancy, and a second set of chambers with water having access thereto so that the second set of chambers, under steady state conditions, do not provide buoyancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compounds which have the following general formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted C1 to C12 alkyl and H; and R3 and R4 are independently selected from hydroxy, optionally substituted C1 to C6 alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl and H, in a method of preventing or reducing fouling, particularly in the marine environment. The compounds of the present invention have the considerable advantage of providing the antifouling coating market with an organic alternative to the existing technology which relies heavily on the addition of copper to obtain significant antifouling effects. The compounds we have developed may be used as cheap, easy to prepare additives that do not contain metals and therefore have reduced toxicity in marine environment.

Abstract: A pontoon-type floating structure comprising an upper deck that is to be maintained above water level and that is to receive and support a load by the load resting thereon; and a horizontal array of chambers disposed underneath the upper deck, with the chambers providing a first set of chambers that provide the structure with buoyancy, and a second set of chambers with water having access thereto so that the second set of chambers, under steady state conditions, do not provide buoyancy.