WAIVER - Corrosion and Antifouling Behavior of Antifouling Paints (AFP) with Reduced Copper Oxide

Global environmental concerns necessitate the innovation of AFP’s with novel additives that offer improved protection from corrosion, and prevent biofouling. Non-toxic, low surface energy paints although effective are expensive and not functional as antifoulants. The simple, inexpensive technique of dispersing large proportions (40-50%) of Cu/Cu₂O in paints continues to reign supreme as the most popular way to fight biofouling. The use of high concentrations of Cu/Cu₂O in the absence of suitable binding agents, results in very high leaching rates into the marine. Heavy accumulation of copper in harbors, estuaries and marine species is a consequence of the above. Our study is focused on formulating low surface energy AFP’s with reduced Cu₂O levels along with novel additives which target reducing the release rate of copper in the marine environment. AFP with PMMA and low concentrations of copper was formulated. ICP analysis was performed to quantify and compare copper release rates. Optical microscopy, SEM, and AUGER techniques were used to evaluate and characterize corrosion behavior. Some early findings suggest improved performance compared to commercial coatings. Long term study with fouling species will also be presented to substantiate the improved performance of the formulated coatings.

Acknowledgement: Research Supported by Platinum Research Organization, Inc.