Evaluation of an Antifouling Surface Inspired by Malaysian Sharks <i>Negaprion</i> <i>Brevirostris</i> and <i>Carcharhinus Leucas</i> Riblets

Abstract

Our research aims to study the properties of real shark skin in accordance with its topographical features and the biomimicry for friction reduction. In this paper, we are focusing on antifouling surface modification based on the surface roughness and frictional resistance inspired from the shark's denticule arrangements. Biomimetic shark skins were prepared using the silicone laminated transfer molding method to investigate the antifouling effects. Anti-algae formations were investigated to examine and assess the antifouling properties of the biomimetic shark skin surface microstructure. The results indicated that the effect of microreplication with shark skin on the surface had reduced 13% -40% of algae formation. The characteristics of the hydrophobic properties for shark skin had also been investigated through the analysis of the contact angle (CA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to observe the surfaces morphologies of the shark skin as well as the biomimetic shark skin. In addition to that, the frictional resistance experiment was carried out to evaluate the friction of coefficient (COF) of different surface modifications. The frictional resistance experiment for real shark skin and replicated shark skin demonstrated lowered COF value ranging from μ = 0 to 1, compared to the COF for controlled surface whereby the value ranges from μ = 0 to 5.

Biomimetics for innovative and future-oriented space applications - A review

“…For example, while shark-skin inspired riblet hull coatings still suffer from some degree of fouling, sharks do not deal with the same issue. Their skin structure and body undulation are much more complex and interact with one another, which is assumed to prevent a permanent attachment of marine biomass (Ibrahim et al, 2021). Furthermore, during the implementation phase, technological constraints and manufacturability often become a limiting factor.…”

“…Many more concepts can be found in the prototype and testing stage, with the goal to establish products and technologies throughout industries. Within the maritime sector for example, biomimetics has been heavily researched in relation to reducing the frictional resistance of ship hulls on the example of shark skin (Figures 1A, B) (Ibrahim et al, 2021(Ibrahim et al, , 2018Fu et al, 2017;Wen et al, 2014;Oeffner and Lauder, 2012) and the salvinia plant (Oeffner et al, 2021;Walheim et al, 2021), thereby significantly reducing the fuel consumption and emissions associated with waterborne transport. In the transportation sector, bio-inspired concepts have been applied for the development of cars (puffer fish) (Kozlov et al, 2015), trains (kingfisher bill) (Figures 1C, D) (Foo et al, 2017;Hu et al, 2018), and even airplanes (winglets of birds) (Figures 1E, F) (Guerrero et al, 2012).…”

Bio-Inspired Nanomaterials for Micro/Nanodevices: A New Era in Biomedical Applications

“…Scanning electron microscopy provides a thorough image of the surface topography and composition of a material to understand better how an organism functions. For instance, the invention of specifically textured surfaces that limit fouling or microbial growth was motivated by observing the microscopic structure of a shark’s skin, which is made up of tiny, tooth-like scales known as denticles [ 51 ]. To effectively employ biomimicry, it is imperative to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between structure and function in living organisms, which should be underpinned by robust research and meticulously curated databases.…”

Grouping behaviour impacts on the parasitic pressure and squamation of sharks

“…The scarcity of such records could be somewhat alleviated not only by dedicating more effort to the recovery of associated parasites but also by implementing less aggressive preparation techniques on potential host specimens [96,97]. Ultimately, the results of this study may serve as a source of inspiration for the development and fine-tuning of biomimetic surfaces that involve simple denticulated designs for antifouling purposes [98][99][100][101][102].…”