NANO-DOMAINED DENDRITIC POLYMER-BASED ANTIFOULING COATINGS

摘要

Biofouling is adhesion of aquatic organisms such as microorganisms, aquatic plants, and aquatic animals to artificial surfaces such as ship hulls and ballast tanks that are in prolonged contact with fresh or sea water. Biofouling results in increased fuel consumption and pollution because of the increasing drag. To minimize biofouling effects, antifouling paints are developed containing dispersed biocides and heavy metal agents such as, copper and organo-tin compounds (Tri-n-butyl tin [TBT]). Unfortunately, many of these antifouling coatings not only eliminate the fouling organisms from surfaces, but their slow release into water (even in concentrations of only parts per billion) has serious toxic effects on a wide range of other aquatic species, including mollusks, such as oysters and whelks, fish, vegetation, and even mammals (including dolphins). As a consequence, International Maritime Organization (IMO) banned the global use of TBT in paints in 2008. Like TBT, copper too has negative effects, and has been banned in few coastal areas of California.