The potential of nano-structured silicon oxide type coatings deposited by PACVD for control of aquatic biofouling.
SiO(x)-like coatings were deposited on glass slides from a hexamethylsiloxane precursor by plasma-assisted CVD (PACVD). Surface energies (23.1-45.7 mJ m(-1)) were correlated with the degree of surface oxidation and hydrocarbon contents. Tapping mode AFM revealed a range of surface topologies with Ra values 1.55-3.16 nm and RMS roughness 1.96-4.11 nm. Settlement of spores of the green alga Ulva was significantly less, and detachment under shear significantly more on the lowest surface energy coatings. Removal of young plants (sporelings) of Ulva under shear was positively correlated with reducing the surface energy of the coatings. The most hydrophobic coatings also showed good performance against a freshwater bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, significantly reducing initial attachment and biofilm formation, and reducing the adhesion strength of attached bacterial cells under shear. Taken together the results indicate potential for further investigation of these coatings for applications such as heat exchangers and optical instruments.
TEER Coatings Ltd, West Stone House, Berry Hill Industrial Estate, Droitwich, Worcestershire, UK.
Laurent
L
Akesso
Michala E
ME
Pettitt
James A
JA
Callow
Maureen E
ME
Callow
Joanne
J
Stallard
Dennis
D
Teer
Chen
C
Liu
Su
S
Wang
Qi
Q
Zhao
Fraddry
F
D'Souza
Peter R
PR
Willemsen
Glen T
GT
Donnelly
Crtomir
C
Donik
Aleksandra
A
Kocijan
Monika
M
Jenko
Lathe A
LA
Jones
Patricia Calvillo
PC
Guinaldo
D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development*; D017377:Diatoms / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000737:chemistry; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development*; D005898:Glass; D044129:Halomonadaceae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D053520:Marinobacter / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D049329:Nanostructures; D011551:Pseudomonas fluorescens / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013170:Spores / Q000254:growth & development; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D013499:Surface Properties; D044445:Ulva / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D014835:Volatilization; D014871:Water Microbiology
D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D012822:Silicon Dioxide