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Polydimethylsiloxane Microdomains Formation at the Polythiourethane/Air Interface and Its Influence on Barnacle
Haoyi Qiu1,2, Anna Gapeeva1, Iris Hölken2
1Functional Nanomaterials, Institute for Materials Science, Faculty of Engineering, Kiel University, Kaiserstr. 2, Kiel D-24143, Germany.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 18, 2021
Summary
A new polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/polythiourethane (PTU) composite with tetrapodal ZnO particles offers excellent fouling-release properties. This marine coating significantly reduces barnacle adhesion and maintains integrity after long-term seawater immersion.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Marine Biology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Marine biofouling is a significant challenge, increasing drag and fuel consumption for vessels.
- Existing anti-fouling coatings often rely on toxic biocides, posing environmental risks.
- Developing effective and environmentally friendly fouling-release (FR) coatings is crucial for marine applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/polythiourethane (PTU) composite reinforced with tetrapodal ZnO particles (t-ZnO).
- To evaluate the fouling-release properties of the composite, specifically its effectiveness against barnacle adhesion.
- To assess the long-term durability and stability of the composite in marine environments.
Main Methods:
- A versatile polymer blending process was employed to create the PDMS/PTU composite.
- The surface morphology and composition were analyzed to understand PDMS microdomain segregation.
- Barnacle adhesion strength was measured using both pseudo- and natural barnacle adhesion tests.
- The composite's performance was compared against pure PDMS, PTU, and AlMg3 surfaces.
- Long-term immersion tests in seawater were conducted to evaluate coating integrity and stability.
Main Results:
- The composite exhibited preferential segregation of PDMS microdomains at the polymer/air interface due to surface free energy differences.
- PDMS microdomains significantly reduced barnacle adhesion strength to approximately 0.1 MPa, comparable to pure PDMS.
- Adhesion strength on reference surfaces (AlMg3 and PTU) was substantially higher (4-6 MPa).
- The composite maintained its integrity and fouling-release properties after 12 months of seawater immersion without surface deterioration.
Conclusions:
- The PDMS/PTU composite reinforced with t-ZnO demonstrates excellent fouling-release capabilities.
- The material offers a promising, long-term stable, and environmentally friendly solution for marine anti-fouling coatings.
- The study highlights the effectiveness of surface microdomain engineering for achieving superior FR performance.
