Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10216/130468
Author(s): Faria, S.I.
Teixeira-Santos, R.
Gomes, L.C.
Silva, E.R.
Morais, J.
Vasconcelos, V.
Mergulhão, F.J.M.
Title: Experimental assessment of the performance of two marine coatings to curb biofilm formation of microfoulers
Publisher: MDPI
Issue Date: 2020
Abstract: Biofilms formed on submerged marine surfaces play a critical role in the fouling process, causing increased fuel consumption, corrosion, and high maintenance costs. Thus, marine biofouling is a major issue and motivates the development of antifouling coatings. In this study, the performance of two commercial marine coatings, a foul-release silicone-based paint (SilRef) and an epoxy resin (EpoRef), was evaluated regarding their abilities to prevent biofilm formation by Cyanobium sp. and Pseudoalteromonas tunicata (common microfoulers). Biofilms were developed under defined hydrodynamic conditions to simulate marine settings, and the number of biofilm cells, wet weight, and thickness were monitored for 7 weeks. The biofilm structure was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) at the end-point. Results demonstrated that EpoRef surfaces were effective in inhibiting biofilm formation at initial stages (until day 28), while SilRef surfaces showed high efficacy in decreasing biofilm formation during maturation (from day 35 onwards). Wet weight and thickness analysis, as well as CLSM data, indicate that SilRef surfaces were less prone to biofilm formation than EpoRef surfaces. Furthermore, the efficacy of SilRef surfaces may be dependent on the fouling microorganism, while the performance of EpoRef was strongly influenced by a combined effect of surface and microorganism.
Subject: Antifouling coatings
Biofilm formation
Epoxy resin
Marine biofouling
Microfoulers
Silicone-based paint
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10216/130468
Source: Coatings 2020, 10(9), 893
Document Type: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
Rights: openAccess
Appears in Collections:CIIMAR - Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional

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