Title : Novel marine antifouling coatings inspired by corals
Abstract:
Biofouling refers to the attachment of fouling organisms (e.g., bacteria, algae, and barnacle) on wetted surfaces. This is a significant problem globally because fouling organisms that grow on marine vessels promote surface deterioration, damage propellers, and increase drag, leading to high fuel consumption and excessive maintenance costs. To reduce the impact of biofouling, antifouling coatings have been developed and applied to marine vessels since ancient times. Traditional antifouling coatings consist of chemically active compounds, such as silver, copper and tributyltin (TBT). These coatings lack specificity, exhibit high toxicity to both fouling organisms and nontarget marine life, and lead to contamination of waterways. Owing to such negative environmental impacts, these coatings have been gradually banned worldwide. Hence, the development of environmental-friendly and efficient antifouling coatings has been identified as a pressing need. As an alternative, the antifouling coatings inspired by corals have attracted a great deal of attention over these years. within the marine environment, corals have evolved an excellent antifouling capability. There are several major antifouling strategies applied by corals, including natural antifoulants, soft tentacles, and fluorescence effect. This keynote will show how these strategies work to prevent marine biofouling. Inspired by these strategies, several antifouling coatings were fabricated and tested to show their antifouling capability. The fabricating processes and fouling attachment tests are highlighted. Moreover, a discussion is conducted about the existing problems with the three strategies and the direction of their further development is indicated.
What will audience learn from your presentation?
- This presentation can satisfy the audience's scientific curiosity.
- The audience can learn that we can steal good ideas from nature for serving human beings.
- Nature-inspired materials can bring great innovation to current technology.
- We can learn sustainable strategies from nature systems.
