Low friction coatings tech news
On May 20, 2026, AquaGlide Materials announced the commercial availability of "H2O--Slide," a hydrophobic, low--friction coating for hydroelectric turbine runners. The coating is designed to reduce skin friction drag and prevent aquatic biofouling without the use of toxic biocides. Initial testing at a pilot facility in Norway demonstrated a 3.5% increase in turbine efficiency and a significant reduction in cavitation--induced erosion, targeting the global renewable energy infrastructure market.