Abstract
The development of new antifouling paints requires understanding the parameters involved in antifouling activity and to develop new analytical tools for their evaluation. A series of biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone-co-δ-valerolactone) copolymers varying by molecular weight and composition were synthesized, characterized and formulated as antifouling paints. The physico-chemical properties such as hydration, degradation, erosion and lixiviation of paints were studied. Microfouling (bacteria and microalgae) was observed by microscopic observations in a short delay, whereas macrofouling colonization was observed by visual inspection during one year. The antifouling activity of paints was modified by varying the composition and molecular weight of copolymer. The crystallinity appears to play a major role in antifouling activity, however the involvement of other properties such as hydration, degradation or erosion remains difficult to understand. Confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopes were used for the evaluation of antifouling paints. Results show that microalgae seem to be a pertinent indicator of antifouling activity.
Highlights
Biofouling is a multi-stage process, which includes adsorption of dissolved organic molecules, colonization by prokaryotes, eukaryotes and recruitment of invertebrate larvae and algae spores [1].The presence of microfouling such as diatoms and bacteria, their composition and the substratum properties are among the most important factors that determine the attachment of much larger fouling organisms [2]
The present study proposes to evaluate five P(CL-VL) binders varying by their molecular weight and composition
The observation and quantification of microfouling developed on paints after a few weeks of immersion was not sufficient to know without ambiguity the efficiency of antifouling paint
Summary
Biofouling is a multi-stage process, which includes adsorption of dissolved organic molecules, colonization by prokaryotes, eukaryotes and recruitment of invertebrate larvae and algae spores [1].The presence of microfouling such as diatoms and bacteria, their composition and the substratum properties are among the most important factors that determine the attachment of much larger fouling organisms [2]. Biofouling is a multi-stage process, which includes adsorption of dissolved organic molecules, colonization by prokaryotes, eukaryotes and recruitment of invertebrate larvae and algae spores [1]. Prevention of fouling includes continuous maintenance involving intensive labor and use of antifouling strategies. Most current protective systems are based on biocide-containing antifouling paints [3,4]. These have traditionally relied upon the release of biocides (organic biocides called booster biocides and copper) to kill or inhibit the growth of fouling organisms [5]. Other antifouling polymer coatings, without any release mechanism or with biocides having short environmental half-lives are being developed [6,7,8,9,10,11,12]
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