Comparative study for marine antifouling agents based on natural sarcophine product and ZnO nanomaterials

Abstract

Fouling has significant economic influences on sea transportation and other submerged surfaces. This work aims to compare between sarcophine and synthesized ZnO nanospheres as active antifouling ingredients. The two compounds were applied on unprimed steel and were immersed in the seawater of the Eastern Harbour (E.H.), Alexandria, Egypt. Seawater hydrographic parameters were measured. 1H and 13C NMR spectra were carried out to study the structural analysis of sarcophine. ZnO nanospheres were characterized through SEM, XRD, and UV-V instruments. Each of sarcophine and ZnO nanospheres was blended solely by 2% (w/w) with a designed paint formulation of two paint ingredients besides the blank. Duplicate paint formulations were applied on unprimed steel, hanged, and immersed in the E.H. on 30/12/2018. Panels’ surfaces were followed visually and by photographic inspection for fouling succession over different interval times. They lasted for 200 days. Sarcophine showed the least fouled surface by about 15% of tubeworms and barnacles than ZnO or the blank. Most fouling were around the edges of the panel. This is due to its smoother surface, besides it has higher molecular weight than ZnO nano-particles. The hydrographic parameters of the E.H. seawater were within the normal range that these paint formulations are environmentally safe.