Preparation and characterization of silicone based coatings filled with carbon nanotubes and natural sepiolite and their application as antifouling materials
[en] This article reports on the preparation and partial characterisation of silicone-based coatings filled with low levels of either synthetic multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or natural sepiolite (NS). The antifouling and fouling-release properties of these coatings were explored through laboratory assays involving representative soft-fouling (Ulva) and hard-fouling (Balanus) organisms. The bulk mechanical properties of the coatings appeared unchanged by the addition of low amounts of filler, in contrast to the surface properties, which were modified on exposure to water. The release of Ulva sporelings (young plants) was improved by the addition of low amounts of both NS and MWCNTs. The most profound effect recorded was the significant reduction of adhesion strength of adult barnacles growing on a silicone elastomer containing a small amount (0.05%) of MWCNTs. All the data indicate that independent of the bulk properties, the surface properties affect settlement, and more particularly, the fouling-release behaviour, of the filled materials.
Disciplines :
Chemistry
Author, co-author :
Beigbeder, Alexandre
Degée, Philippe
Conlan, S.L.
Mutton, R.
Clare, A.S.
Pettitt, Michala E.
Callow, Maureen E.
Callow, James A.
Dubois, Philippe ; Université de Mons > Faculté des Sciences > Matériaux Polymères et Composites
Language :
English
Title :
Preparation and characterization of silicone based coatings filled with carbon nanotubes and natural sepiolite and their application as antifouling materials
Publication date :
20 May 2008
Journal title :
Biofouling
ISSN :
0892-7014
Publisher :
Taylor & Francis, United Kingdom
Volume :
24
Issue :
4
Pages :
291-302
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Research unit :
S816 - Matériaux Polymères et Composites
Research institute :
R400 - Institut de Recherche en Science et Ingénierie des Matériaux