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Single cell attachmentA type of attachment in which single cell organisms (such as micro-algae) attach to a surface and multiply at the surface. As the single cells are microscopic scale, no protection is obtained but as these organisms don't block the mesh there is no need for protection. As some single cell organisms tend to form chains (thread-like micro-algae), Thorn-D® does give a protection: due to the swaying motion of the fibres, it damages the cell structure and the threads are cut-off after some time. |
Larval settlementA type of settlement in which larvae of organisms ( such as barnacles, tubeworms, mussels) search a surface for a good place to settle. As there is a limited timeframe for settlement (settle-or-die), there is always a chance that larvae of these organisms will settle. Settlement will not lead to stable attachment and juvenile organisms will either die or move away. |
Spore settlementAlgae show spore settlement. The dimensions of the spores are such that with the right density, the spores cannot enter in the mat of fibers. The swaying motion of Thorn-D® prevents sticking of the spores. |
Working principle
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Instead of killing fouling organisms, Dr. Breur came up with the idea of preventing the organisms to settle.
The basic thought behind Thorn-D® is that a combination of prickliness and swaying of Thorn-D® fibers makes the surface unattractive for organisms to settle. To fully understand the mechanism, one has to discern the three different categories of settlement:
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