Effect of Variations in Micropatterns and Surface Modulus on Marine Fouling of Engineering Polymers

摘要

We report on the marine fouling and fouling release effects caused by variations of surface mechanical properties and microtopography of engineering polymers. Polymeric materials were covered with hierarchical micro molded topographical patterns inspired by the shell of the marine decapod crab Myomenippe hardwickii. These micro patterned surfaces were deployed in field static immersion tests. PDMS, polyurethane, and PMMA surfaces with higher elastic modulus and hardness were found to accumulate more fouling and exhibited poor fouling release properties. The results indicate interplay between surface mechanical properties and microtopography on antifouling performance.