Preparation and characterisation of silicone-based coatings filled with carbon nanotubes and natural sepiolite and their application as marine fouling-release coatings.
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.
Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials, Centre of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), University of Mons Hainaut, Belgium.
Alexandre
A
Beigbeder
Philippe
P
Degee
Sheelagh L
SL
Conlan
Robert J
RJ
Mutton
Anthony S
AS
Clare
Michala E
ME
Pettitt
Maureen E
ME
Callow
James A
JA
Callow
Philippe
P
Dubois
D000268:Adhesiveness; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D018441:Biofilms; D017633:Magnesium Silicates / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D012828:Silicones / Q000737:chemistry*; D013170:Spores; D001468:Thoracica / Q000502:physiology; D044445:Ulva / Q000502:physiology
D017633:Magnesium Silicates; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D012828:Silicones; C001671:magnesium trisilicate