GREENVILLE, N.C., Feb. 28 -- East Carolina University issued the following press release:
GREENVILLE, N.C. (12/09/2025) - East Carolina University's Dr. Robert Hughes, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, is the recipient of a $720,000 NCInnovation research grant for his project, "Cleaner, Safer Coatings for Marine and Industrial Equipment."
Marine vessels - from fishing boats to research ships - struggle with fouling: the buildup of algae, barnacles and sludge that slows vessels down and increases fuel costs. Industrial bilge areas face similar problems, often requiring harsh chemical cleaners.
The goal of Hughes' project is to develop environmentally friendly coatings that prevent this buildup without relying on toxic su...