Abstract: Coating compositions, coatings, and coated articles are provided exhibiting drag-reducing properties. The drag reduction can lead to improved flow, e.g. an improved measure of slip length, over both laminar and turbulent flow conditions, e.g. for Reynolds numbers less than 2,000 to as much as about 500,000. The coating compositions include abase matrix and an effluent polymer dispersed in the base resin in such a way that, when an exposed surface of the drag-reducing coating is exposed to an aqueous medium, the effluent polymer migrates to the exposed surface of the drag-reducing coating and into the aqueous medium at or near the exposed surface to create a diluted effluent polymer solution in the aqueous medium at or near the exposed surface; wherein the diluted effluent polymer solution reduces a drag of the surface moving through the aqueous medium.

Abstract: This invention combines novel materials to provide improved fluid dynamic, biofouling and corrosion control to structures, for example ship stabilizer fins, by applying a novel multilayered conformal covering to such structures. The covering may further comprise drag-reducing control surfaces such as grooves, crests and troughs that improve the hydrodynamic characteristics of the structure. The invention may be comprised of two layers: an inner layer comprising an fabric, composite, elastomeric, or combination thereof, material to provide shape and a firm fit to the existing body and an outer layer comprising silicone based polymer to prevent or control biological growth. The properties of the inner layer, which may be stiff or elastomeric, are selected to provide a tough conformal fit over the structure to be improved and may be made from an fabric, composite or elastomer, or combinations thereof, such as neoprene or high modulus toughened silicone.