Flame Sprayed Environmentally Friendly High Density Polyethylene (PE) and Capsaicin Composite Coatings for Marine Antifouling Applications

Abstract

Abstract Marine biofouling has emerged as worldwide serious problems for artificial marine infrastructures. Among the measures taken so far to solve such problems, construction of an antifouling layer has been proven to be effective in offering long-term antifouling performances. Antifouling based on the use of biocides is the most important method in modern maritime industries. While tributyltin (TBT)-based self-polishing coatings are being replaced by other biocide-releasing coatings, the environmental toxicity of these compounds is also under scrutiny. Therefore, there is a significant interest in developing non-toxic technologies. Green biocides can also be extracted from many types of organisms including terrestrial plants, sea creatures and bacteria. In this study, flame sprayed polyethylene (PE)-capsaicin composite coatings were developed for marine antifouling applications. Capsaicin powder were fixed by polymer-based substrate and distributed evenly. Antifouling test indicated excellent antibacterial properties of PE-capsaicin composite coatings against adhesion of marine Bacillus sp. bacteria. Prohibited formation of biofilm on the surfaces of the thermal sprayed composite coatings gives clear insight into their potential applications as antifouling layers in the marine environment.