Nanocoating Is a New Way for Biofouling Prevention

Abstract

Biofouling is a major concern to the maritime industry. Biofouling increases fuel consumption, accelerates corrosion, clogs membranes and pipes, and reduces the buoyancy of marine installations, such as ships, platforms, and nets. While traditionally marine installations are protected by toxic biocidal coatings, due to recent environmental concerns and legislation, novel nanomaterial-based anti-fouling coatings are being developed. Hybrid nanocomposites of organic-inorganic materials give a possibility to combine the characteristics of both groups of material generating opportunities to prevent biofouling. The development of bio-inspired surface designs, progress in polymer science and advances in nanotechnology is significantly contributing to the development of eco-friendly marine coatings containing photocatalytic nanomaterials. The review mainly discusses photocatalysis, antifouling activity, and formulation of coatings using metal and metal oxide nanomaterials (nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorods). Additionally, applications of nanocomposite coatings for inhibition of micro- and macro-fouling in marine environments are reviewed.

Nanotechnology-Based Solutions for Antibiofouling Applications: An Overview

“…Sharklet is an example of a biomimetic antifouling solution widely used in hospitals and healthcare setups that contains a C18 coating and nanoscaled roughness . Vast literature on the antifouling effects of micro- and nanostructured surface patterns is well recognized. − …”

“…Incorporating NMs into coatings would prevent microbial fouling, promote self-healing of damaged surfaces, and combat corrosion . It has recently been established that using NPs in antifouling coatings enhances their hydrophobicity, durability, and microbial resistance and strengthens their elastomeric, water-repellent, and anticorrosive properties . The addition of NMs to conventional paints delivers antimicrobial properties over coated surfaces.…”

Graphene-Based Coating to Mitigate Biofilm Development in Marine Environments

“…Marine biofilm formation is a nanoscale interfacial phenomenon. As such, innovative surface engineering techniques that modify surface attributes at the nanoscale can not only optimize the properties of certain materials [ 24 , 25 ], but also provide them with significant antifouling potential [ 26 , 27 ]. In fact, the incorporation of nanomaterials into marine antifouling paints has been reported to greatly impact a surface’s charge potential, hydrophobicity, and topography, as well as its antibacterial and anticorrosion properties [ 28 , 29 ].…”

Antifouling Performance of Carbon-Based Coatings for Marine Applications: A Systematic Review

“…Modifications of surface charge potential, hydrophobicity, and surface topography can constitute promising strategies [ 40 ]. In this context, the use of carbon nanomaterials as fillers for polymer composites is becoming increasingly relevant [ 41 ].…”

“…Thanks to these appealing properties, the use of these nanomaterials for improved marine AF coatings is currently on the rise [ 41 ]. As such, assessing the effectiveness of GP- and CNTs-based coatings in preventing marine biofouling, namely on pioneer bacterial attachment and biofilm formation, can contribute to optimizing and reaching a better understanding of their AF properties.…”