Antifouling Properties Research Articles

Enhanced Anti-corrosion and Anti-fouling Properties of Galvanized Iron Using Nanocomposite Hydrophobic Coatings

Enhanced Anti-corrosion and Anti-fouling Properties of Galvanized Iron Using Nanocomposite Hydrophobic Coatings

Green fabrication methods and performance evaluation of eco-friendly membranes for enhanced oil-water separation

A significant step toward sustainability in membrane technology has been made with the substitution of eco-friendly alternatives for conventional membrane fabrication techniques. A green fabrication process, which is derived from renewable and biodegradable materials, offers a promising solution to environmental concerns associated with conventional membrane fabrication. Additionally, by utilizing eco-friendly materials, the toxicity footprint of membrane fabrication techniques can be reduced considerably. This study aims to transform the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method into a green process, by utilizing a biodegradable polymeric base (polylactic acid; PLA), a green solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide; DMSO), and a green additive (deep eutectic solvents; DES). The membranes were thoroughly characterized to understand their structural transformations, and their performance was evaluated. Filtration experiments demonstrated a notable increase in the water flux using 20 wt% PLA polymer, DMSO as a solvent, and 1 wt% choline chloride: ethylene glycol (ChCl:EG) (1:2) as an additive. This resulted in a flux of 1138 L/m2.h, a notable increase compared to 554 L/m2.h achieved with 20 wt% PLA using a conventional solvent (PLA-C). This increase in flux was also complemented by an increase in the membrane's oil rejection efficiency, (oil rejection of 96 % for the modified membrane), as well as enhanced anti-fouling properties (maintained in interval flux recovery ratio; FRR of 80 %). The findings suggest that creating environmentally friendly membranes through a sustainable process has the potential to improve both ecological impact and performance, hence progressing environmentally conscious industrial practices.

Development of antifouling antibacterial polylactic acid (PLA) -based packaging and application for chicken meat preservation

Microbial contamination is the leading cause of food spoilage and food-borne disease. Here, we developed a multifunctional surface based on polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic with antifouling and antibacterial properties via a facile dual-coating approach. The surface was designed with hierarchical micro/nano-scale roughness and low surface energy. Bactericidal agent polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) was incorporated to endow the film with bactericidal activity. The film had good superhydrophobic, antifouling and antibacterial performance, with a water contact angle of 154.3°, antibacterial efficiency against E. coli and S. aureus of 99.9 % and 99.6 %, respectively, and biofilm inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus of 63.5 % and 68.9 %, respectively. Synergistic effects of antibacterial adhesion and contact killing of bacteria contributed to the significant antibacterial performance of the film. The biobased biodegradable film was highly effective in preventing microbial growth when applied as antibacterial food packaging for poultry product, extending the shelf life of fresh chicken breast up to eight days.

Effect of Surface Charges in Polymer Coatings on Antifouling Performance in Marine Environments with Sediment.

The antifouling efficacy of hydrophilic polymer coatings is closely related to their surface charge. Many biological foulants such as mammalian cells and marine microalgae possess a negative surface charge, discouraging the use of positively charged polymer coatings for antifouling purposes. Instead, electrically neutral yet hydrophilic polymers have been widely employed, leveraging hydration layers to create a barrier against fouling. However, challenges arise in marine environments where both living marine organisms and sediments can adhere to solid surfaces, rendering previous findings less directly applicable. This study investigates the impact of a polymer coating surface charge on marine antifouling properties. Polymer brushes with various charges are applied to solid substrates, and the adhesion behavior of marine diatoms is assessed under both marine sediment-free and marine sediment conditions. The results underscore the effectiveness of negatively charged polymer brush coatings in marine antifouling, regardless of sediment presence.

Coral-inspired fabrication of Ag-Cu2O-zwitterionic polymers-phosphor films with day and night antifouling properties

Inspired by the antifouling process observed in fluorescent corals, this study introduces a novel functional antifouling film consisting of Ag-Cu2O nanocomposites, zwitterionic polymers, and a phosphor substrate. Zwitterionic polymers serve as a dispersive medium for Ag-Cu2O nanocomposites, enabling a uniform coating and optimal structural through spin-coating. During daylight hours, visible light irradiation excites Ag-Cu2O nanocomposites to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cooperates with the hydration layer, exhibit a high-level antifouling effect. Notably, the unique structural coating can emit a weak coral-like fluorescence at night, sustaining ROS release and further enhancing antifouling performance. The assembly structure of the composite film was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle (WCA), while its antifouling performance was evaluated through antibacterial tests and a 30-day light-dark cycle anti-algae attachment experiment. The distinct nighttime antifouling capability contributes to 97.30 % anti-algae settled rate over a 30-day diurnal cycle. Moreover, we also investigated the effect of phosphor color on the composite film's antifouling properties. The blue phosphor group exhibited greater antifouling performance than the green or transparent phosphor group. The composite film created with multiple synergistic mechanisms exhibited auspicious antifouling performance. Further improvement and development of this composite film could unlock even greater potential for its antifouling properties.

Surface reconstruction of sulfonated polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane with cellulose nanocrystals for enhancing anti-fouling performance

The fouling issues of ultrafiltration membranes is one of limitations for their long-term effectiveness. Here, we developed an effective and environmentally friendly approach for constructing anti-fouling ultrafiltration membrane, achieved by the surface modification of sulfonated polysulfone (SPSF) ultrafiltration membrane with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The composite ultrafiltration membrane was obtained by only filtering CNC suspension through SPSF ultrafiltration membrane, and showed good hydrophilicity that its water contact angle is only 53° which is much lower than that of SPSF ultrafiltration membrane (74°). Its retention rate for the pollutants with particle size greater than 10 nm is close to 100 %. Its water flux is almost twice that of SPSF ultrafiltration membrane under the sewage condition. After three cycles of filtering severe sewage, its flux recovery rate is still 95 %, far higher than that of SPSF ultrafiltration membrane (60 %). Therefore, the surface modification strategy of SPSF ultrafiltration membrane with CNCs is effective and green for improving the anti-fouling properties of ultrafiltration membranes, which is a valuable reference for enhancing the anti-fouling performance of ultrafiltration membranes from various materials. The as-prepared CNCs/SPSF ultrafiltration membrane has a promising application in the purification of wastewater containing hydrophobic particles.

Fabrication of photocurable zwitterionic polymer coatings with enhanced antifouling and lubrication properties for urinary catheter applications

Urinary catheters necessitate a surface with antifouling and lubricating properties in order to mitigate bacterial infection, calculus formation, and tissue trauma. Hydrophilic coating is a promising strategy but suffers from the complications of the manufacturing method as well as the lack of longevity. Herein, we report an antifouling and lubricating hydrophilic coating based on zwitterionic copolymer poly(2-Methacryloyloxyethyl phosphatidylcholine-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-(Benzoyl)phenyl methacrylate (poly(MPC-co-HEMA-co-BP)) through pre-gel solution spin-coating followed by UV-curing. The poly(MPC-co-HEMA-co-BP (PMHB) coatings possess hygroscopic properties that facilitate the formation of a hydrated layer, thereby leading to friction reduction. Moreover, both antibacterial and protein resistance tests substantiate the exceptional antifouling characteristics exhibited by the PMHB coating. Furthermore, after 7 days of coincubation, the antibacterial rates of PMHB coatings against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) are 72.98 %, 75.11 %, and 88.23 %, respectively. Subsequently, PMHB coating reduced the attachment of encrustation in a 7 days artificial urine cycling experiment. This study brings new perspective on designing urinary catheter surfaces with lubricating and antifouling properties.

Fabrication of hyperbranched polyamidoamine functionalized with cucurbituril to improve dyes and heavy metals removal capability of the polyethersulfone nanofiltration membrane

A new hyperbranched polyamidoamine polymer functionalized with cucurbituril (HBPA@Cucurbituril) was fabricated to enhance the antifouling properties of polyethersulfone (PES) membrane to remove dye pollutants and heavy metal ions (e.g., As3+ and Hg2+). ATR-FTIR, TGA, SEM, zeta potential, AFM, water contact angle (WCA), and SEM analyses were used to investigate the morphology of modified membranes. The WCA evaluations indicated that the 0.5 wt% HBPA@cucurbituril membranes showed the best hydrophilicity improvement compared to the bare membrane (decrement from 66.6° to 37.9°). In the best case, the optimally modified membrane (0.5 wt%) indicated the best permeability (8.5 L/m2.h.bar), fouling resistance (flux recovery ratio of 92.42 %), dye rejection (Direct Red 16: 98.7 %, Reactive Blue 19: 99.8 %, Crystal Violet: 97.3 % and Methylene Blue: 98.4 %) and heavy metal removal of (As3+: 99.7 % and Hg2+: 99.2 %). This study offers a clear perspective on the treatment of industrial effluents.

Multilayer‐coated polyphenylsulfone membranes with superior antifouling properties of PEG‐NH2 hydrogel for ultrafiltration process

AbstractThis study explores application of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based hydrogel to improve the antifouling properties and performance of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) membrane. The modification of PPSU membrane was performed via coating different ratio of polydopamine (PDA) to 3‐(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as interlayer on surface of PPSU membrane followed by grafting of PEG‐NH2 hydrogel. The as‐prepared membranes were characterized and results confirmed the successful coating of interlayer and hydrogel. The performance of as‐prepared membranes was measured using pure water flux, humic acid (HA), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) separation. The PDA‐APTES (50:50) was selected as the optimal interlayer to graft hydrogel with respect to their superior effect on properties of resultant membrane. The permeate flux and HA rejection increased from 35.2 LMH and 55% for pristine PPSU membrane to 83 LMH and 96% for optimal membrane. For optimal membrane the flux recovery ratio (FRR) value of 96% and 93% determined for BSA and HA separation, respectively. Chemical stability examined and the results confirmed that the hydrogel‐coated membrane was more stable in acidic media compared with alkali media. In summary, the simultaneous presence of the interlayer and the grafted hydrogel had a great impact on the morphology, performance, anticlogging properties, and acid resistance of the modified membranes.

Endothelium-Inspired Hemocompatible Silicone Surfaces: An Elegant Balance between Antifouling Properties and Endothelial Cell Selectivity.

To address the adverse reactions caused by the implantation of blood-contacting materials, researchers have developed different strategies, of which mimicking multiple key features of endothelial cells is the most effective. However, simultaneously immobilizing multiple chemical components on a single material surface and maintaining the effects of individual components are challenging. In this work, endothelium-mimicking silicone surfaces were developed by incorporating the antifouling polymer poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate), the glycosaminoglycan analog poly(sodium 4-vinyl-benzenesulfonate) and a nitric oxide catalyst (selenocystamine dihydrochloride). Through the rational regulation of multiple chemical components, the surfaces harmoniously resisted nonspecific protein adsorption, platelet adhesion and activation and smooth muscle cell hyperproliferation while promoting endothelial cell proliferation and migration. The coculture experiment with HUVECs and HUVSMCs showed that the optimum selectivity of HUVECs/HUVSMCs was ∼1.7. This work contributes insight into the control of antifouling properties and endothelial selectivity, providing a new avenue for the development of blood-contacting materials.

Selective Clearance of Circulating Histones Based on Dodecapeptide-Grafted Copolymer Material for Sepsis Blood Purification.

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Research indicates that circulating histones, as pathogenic factors, may represent a therapeutic target for sepsis. However, effectively clearing circulating histones poses a challenge due to their structural similarity to normal blood proteins, their low abundance in the bloodstream, and serious interference from other blood biomacromolecules. Here we design a dodecapeptide-based functional polymer that can selectively adsorb circulating histones from the blood. The peptide, named P1 (HNHHQLALVESY), was discovered through phage display screening and demonstrated a strong affinity for circulating histones while exhibiting negligible affinities for common proteins in the blood, such as human serum albumin (HSA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and transferrin (TRF). Furthermore, the P1 peptide was incorporated into a functional polymer design, poly(PEGMA-co-P1), which was immobilized onto a silica gel surface through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The resulting material was characterized using solid nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This material demonstrated the ability to selectively and efficiently capture circulating histones from both model solutions and whole blood samples while also exhibiting satisfactory blood compatibility, good antifouling properties, and resistance to interference. Satisfactory binding affinity and efficient capture capacity toward histone were also observed for the other screened peptide P2 (QMSMDLFGSNFV)-grafted polymer, validating phage display as a reliable ligand screening strategy. These findings present an approach for the specific clearance of circulating histones and hold promise for future clinical applications in blood purification toward sepsis.

Fabrication of ultrafiltration membranes based on methacrylate copolymers containing quaternary ammonium and PEG units for dye removal

Abstract Phase inversion involves in a complex process due to numerous factors affecting the membrane formation. Among them, polymer chain entanglement from polymeric membrane materials plays a critical role in regulating membrane structure and is still worth further exploration. Herein, a series of methacrylate copolymers with different contents of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) were designed and synthesized, and ultrafiltration membranes cast from these copolymers were systematically investigated regarding structural evolution and filtration performance. Surface zeta potential of membranes gradually transformed from positive to negative with the increasing PEGMA content due to nonsolvent-induced surface migration of element oxygen, and meanwhile the transformation from finger-like pore structure to sponge-like pore structure in the support layer was observed, which could be attributed to chain entanglement of the PEGMA-rich copolymer. Filtration experiments indicated that sponge-like membranes possessed better separation effect of Victoria blue B compared with finger-like membranes, and the optimized mPP40-15 % showed a retention rate of 99.55 % and permeance of 110.26 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and displayed good selective separation of dye/salt mixture. Besides, sponge-like membranes also exhibited easy regeneration, anti-fouling property and filtration stability. This work will provide guidance for modulating membrane structure and offer an alternative material for membrane separation in handling dye wastewater.

Enhancing performance and durability of PVDF-ceramic composite membranes in microbial fuel cells using natural rhamnolipids

Ceramic membranes are widely used in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) owing to their cost-effectiveness and availability. However, these membranes often face challenges such as biofouling and negative mass-transfer effects. This study explored the use of a polymer layer to mitigate these issues, focusing on a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibre membrane with various surface modifications. The modifications included alkaline treatment (PVDF-OH), rhamnolipids treatment (PVDF/BS), and a combination of both (PVDF-OH/BS). The ceramic membrane integrated with PVDF-OH/BS achieved the highest power density of 13.8 W m−3, which was 38 % higher than that of the unmodified ceramic membrane. Additionally, during the long-term study (days 90–101), the Ceramic + PVDF-OH/BS maintained a 64 % higher power performance compared to the unmodified ceramic membrane, indicating superior antifouling properties. Electrochemical and surface characterisation revealed that rhamnolipid-modified PVDF nanofibers enhanced fouling resistance. The findings demonstrate that natural biosurfactants which can be produced in situ within MFCs, can form a protective layer over membranes and significantly enhance their long-term power performance. This study represents the first instance of using natural microbial biosurfactants to improve membrane efficiency in a bioelectrochemical system.

Co-deposition of tannic acid and bottle-brush polymer to construct stable antifouling surface via hydrogen-bonding

The convenient preparation and excellent stability are two specific demands for antifouling surfaces. We designed a hydrogen-bonded network composed of tannic acid (TA) and bottle-brush polymer (BBP) to form an antifouling coating on diverse substrates. The BBP contained polyurethane backbone and polyethylene glycol (PEG) side chains which provided abundant hydrogen bond acceptors. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, 2D-IR and 1H NMR spectra confirmed that TA could interact with both the backbone and side chains of BBP. Owing to the strong affinity of TA to substrates and the hierarchical structure of bottle-brush polymer, TA/BBP coating possessed more intricate non-covalent network than TA/linear polymer coating and was more stable at physiologic pH. The excellent antifouling properties against serum albumin, red blood cells, fibroblasts and bacteria were demonstrated using different techniques. This work provided a strategy to prepare a stable antifouling coating relying solely on the hydrogen-bonded network of TA and BBP. Additionally, TA/BBP coating could be completely detached by strongly basic solution due to the dissociation of TA, which provided a possibility of cleaning and recycling substrates if necessary.

Electrochemical Aptasensor with Antifouling Properties for Label-Free Detection of Oxytetracycline.

Oxytetracycline (OTC) is a widely employed antibiotic in veterinary treatment and in the prevention of infections, potentially leaving residues in animal-derived food products, such as milk, that are consumed by humans. Given the detrimental effects of prolonged human exposure to antibiotics, it has become imperative to develop precise and sensitive methods for monitoring the presence of OTC in food. Herein, we describe the development and results of a preliminary label-free electrochemical aptasensor with antifouling properties designed to detect OTC in milk samples. The sensor was realized by modifying a gold screen-printed electrode with α-lipoic acid-NHS and an amine-terminated aptamer. Different electrochemical techniques were used to study the steps of the fabrication process and to quantify OTC in the presence of the Fe(CN)64-/Fe(CN)63- redox couple The detectable range of concentrations satisfy the maximum residue limits set by the European Union, with an limit of detection (LOD) of 14 ng/mL in phosphate buffer (BP) and 10 ng/mL in the milk matrix, and a dynamic range of up to 500 ng/mL This study is a steppingstone towards the implementation of a sensitive monitoring method for OTC in dairy products.

Clicked into Place: Biomimetic Copolymer Adhesive for Covalent Conjugation of Functionalities.

Polydopamines (PDA) are a popular class of materials and promising candidates as adhesives for new fastening techniques. PDA layers can be formed on a wide range of substrates in various environments. Here, we present a novel method for functionalizing PDA-based copolymer films by using click chemistry. These copolymers adhere strongly to various surfaces and simultaneously have active groups that allow the attachment of functional groups. We discuss the coupling of two types of chitosan and a rhodamine B dye molecule to the alkyne groups of the copolymers by employing click reactions. Azidopropyl methacrylate (AzMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and dopamine methacrylamide (DOMA) are copolymerized and codeposited with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane on silicon wafers, polyethylene (PE), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). AzMA provides the surfaces with azides for use in click reactions, MMA functions to control the polymer as a nonfunctional diluent, whereas DOMA provides adhesion, as well as cross-linking groups. After codeposition, the dyes are grafted to the copolymer to illustrate the ability of the films to link functional groups covalently. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the successful click reaction in solution, and atomic force microscopy shows the surface morphologies following grafting. Fluorescence microscopy provides evidence of successful grafting. As an example of a possible application, layers exhibiting antifouling properties are prepared. Chitosan grafted to PE is tested for antifouling performance. These functionalized layers show nonspecific inhibition of protein adsorption. We find that chitosan can lower the adsorption of fluorescein-labeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein by more than 90% for the best performing fluorescein-labeled BSA protein and by more than 90% for the best-performing layer. These results demonstrate the viability of our PDA-based copolymers for surface functionalization through click chemistry grafting at challenging adhesion to surfaces.

Microplastics and dye removal from textile wastewater using MIL-53 (Fe) metal-organic framework-based ultrafiltration membranes

Microplastics (MPs) and other organic matters in textile wastewater have posed a formidable challenge for treatment processes, particularly in the primary stages such as ultrafiltration (UF). UF plays a crucial role in preventing the entry of pollutants into subsequent treatment steps. However, the performance efficiency of UF membranes is compromised by the potential fouling of membrane pores by MPs, dyes and other organic pollutants such as bovine serum albumin (BSA). This study focuses on enhancing UF membrane performance, specifically its antifouling properties, through the development of high-performance membranes using MIL-53(Fe) metal-organic framework (MOF) particles (noted as MIL-53 here). Various concentrations of the MIL-53 (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 wt%) were integrated into the membrane structure through phase inversion process. Streaming zeta potential results confirmed the negatively charged surface of the membranes and their high hydrophilicity was validated through contact angle analysis. FTIR, SEM, EDS, and XRD confirmed the presence of MIL-53 particles on the surface of membranes. The developed membranes were tested for 24 h to assess their antifouling properties, with a subsequent 30-min hydraulic flush to measure their flux recovery ratios. Methylene Blue (MB) dye was used as a cationic dye present in textile wastewater to evaluate the efficiency of the developed membranes in dye removal and the synergistic effects of dye rejection in the presence of organic matters (i.e., MPs and BSA). Since previous studies have not fully addressed the combination of dyes and organic matter, this study thoroughly investigated the effect of particle-type foulants (MPs) and their interactions with dye (MB), as well as water soluble protein-type foulants (BSA) and their interaction with MB. The results indicated that the developed membranes exhibited higher MB rejection when the dye was present with either MP or BSA, along with improved antifouling properties. The optimised UF membrane integrated with 0.1 wt% MIL-53 demonstrated nearly 96% BSA rejection and around 86% MB rejection in the mixed foulant case (BSA-MB). The modified membrane exhibited a substantial increase in water flux from 176 L m−2.h−1 to 327 L m−2.h−1. The findings of this research show the potential of iron-based MOFs in improving the performance of UF membranes and provide a platform for future studies on significant areas such as long-term stability studies and testing with other pollutants found in textile wastewater.

Self-adhesive poly-l-lysine/tannic acid hybrid hydrogel for synergistic antibacterial activity against biofilms

Biomedical implants are crucial for enhancing various human physiological functions. However, they are susceptible to microbial contamination after implantation, posing a risk of implant failure. To address this issue, hydrogel-based coatings are used, but achieving both effective antibacterial properties and stable adhesion remains challenging. This study introduces a hybrid hydrogel network made from Tannic Acid (TA) and Poly-l-Lysine (PLL), cross-linked through ionic and hydrogen bonds, which imparts adhesive and anti-infective properties. The physicochemical analysis revealed that the hydrogels exhibited significant porosity, favorable mechanical characteristics, and demonstrated in vitro enzymatic biodegradation. Moreover, the hydrogels demonstrated adhesion to various substrates, including Ti alloy with an adhesive strength of 42.5 kPa, and retained their integrity even after immersion in water for a minimum of 10 days. The modified Ti surfaces significantly reduced protein adsorption (∼70 %), indicating antifouling properties. The hydrogels prevented bacterial adhesion on titanium surfaces through a “contact-kill” mode of action and inhibited biofilm formation by around 94.5 % for Staphylococcus aureus and 90.8 % for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The modified Ti retained biofilm inhibitory effects for at least six days without significant performance decline. In vitro cytotoxicity assay confirmed the biocompatibility of the hydrogels with NIH3T3 cells. Overall, these results highlight the competence of hybrid hydrogels as effective coatings for Ti implants, offering strong adhesion and biofilm prevention to mitigate implant-related infections.

Rare earth oxide nanoparticles for superhydrophobic, antifouling and self-cleaning coatings

The widely used rare earth oxides (REOs) have a limited application in antifouling coatings. Here, coatings composited with REOs-1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecytrimeth-oxysilane (REOs-FAS) based on hydrothermal reaction were prepared for study if REOs can be used in marine antifouling coatings. A network consisting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and REOs-FAS (REOs-FAS/PDMS) (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd) was created by using the blending method and polymerization reaction. The presence of the REOs-FAS imparts to the polymers an amphiphobic structure and disrupts the cell membrane, resulting in excellent antifouling properties and antibacterial performance. The water, coffee, and soya-bean milk droplet state on the Pr6O11-FAS/Sylgard 184 silicone elastomer with the ratio of 4:1 (PFSR-4) and the ink self-cleaning experiment demonstrated that the PFSR-4 has a perfect self-cleaning property. The most suitable surface roughness of PFSR-4 not only empowered the superhydrophobic (the contact angle of water is as high as 157° ± 2° and the sliding angle of water is as low as 5° ± 2°)-oleophobic characteristic (the contact angle of diiodomethane is as high as 132° ± 3°), but also endowed the coating with the anti-diatom (as high as 97.7 %) and anti-mussel adhesive properties. Moreover, the colored PFSR coatings were prepared to do another barrier for the adhesion of large fouling organisms, especially for the white coatings. The anti-mussel attachment ratio of purely whited PDMS was high to 84.6 %. The antibacterial REOs are appropriate for preparing multi-functional coatings. In general, the designed coating has the potential to be a durable, self-cleaning, antibacterial, and antifouling coating and could serve as a foundation for developing innovative super-amphiphobic coatings.

Preparation and properties of multiphase composite enhanced functional organosilicon nano-coatings

BackgroundTo improve the inherent stability and environmental compatibility of traditional organosilicon coatings, nano-reinforced composite materials were innovatively designed and synthesized to improve the performance of organosilicon coatings. MethodologyThe silicon dioxide (SiO2) clusters on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) incorporated with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and dicyclohexylamine nitrite (Dn) nanocomposites (GO@SiO2/CaCO3/Dn) were prepared successfully. Then nanocomposites were integrated into the coating matrix to comprehensively assess their effects on morphology, mechanics, corrosion resistance, and anti-fouling properties. Significant findingsScanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations revealed that 4.0 wt.% of the nanocomposite reinforcement led to stratification within the organosilicon coating. The mechanical properties test shows that the hardness, bonding strength, and maximum impact resistance of SiNC2.0 coating is 10.3 HV, 2.8 MPa, and 75 kg·cm, respectively. Electrochemical assessments confirmed that SiNC2.0 displayed superior corrosion resistance, with a corrosion potential (Ecorr) of 0.199 V and a corrosion current density (Icorr) of 7.308 × 10–6 A/cm2. Furthermore, the surface free energy of the nano-coatings is calculated in the range of 20–30 mN/m by contact angle measurement, indicating the anti-fouling and self-cleaning of the organosilicon nano-coatings. Long-term immersion in natural lake water further confirms the stability and durability of the SiNC2.0 coating in real environments.