To identfify strategies for protecting underwater structures from bio-fouling without the use of metalic toxins.
Intermodal
This research will identify a method of protecting underwater structures from bio-fouling without using metallic toxins. Fouling of vessels induces a significant fuel cost penalty due to the extra drag on the vessel, as well as safety issues as water intake and output vents are blocked by marine growth. Current antifouling strategies for seagoing vessels and platforms has traditionally involved the slow release of bio-toxins such as tin and copper from the surface coating on the submerged structure. These toxins are undergoing worldwide bans.
Recent studies of the surface morphology and film chemistry of marine organisms including shellfish and mammals, has suggested that a new strategy is possible. It was determined that a very fine surface structure, in the micron range, exists on most shellfish that are somewhat resistant to fouling. The surface microstructure on these creatures produces adverse terrain for settling of micro-organisms. Conductive polymers also posses antifouling properties, so combinations of surface morphologies with conductive polymers may produce a new antifouling coating system that can be easily implemented.
Recent advances in conductive polymers, plastic film technology, nano- release mechanisms and non-chromate metal finishing indicate that technology is now mature enough to mimic natural non-toxic antifouling methods on artificial structures, such as conductive polymer sheets that can be adhesively attached to vessels and marine structures. The objective of this research will be to identify a surface morphology adverse to larval fouling organisms and manufacture conductive polymer sheets with that morphology. The next step is to test the antifouling capabilities of these conductive polymers to determine their antifouling properties and determine the optimum surface features along with conductive polymer for maximum antifouling.
FY06
1. Collect shellfish specimens for evaluation.
2. Examine shellfish by scanning electron microscopy to detail the scale of the surface microstructure . The height and width of features will be determined as well as their uniformity over the surface. In addition repetitive patterns such as diamond, square of other distribution of surface features will be identified.
3. Identify which morphologies can be placed on the surface of the URI conductive double strand polymer films.
4. Fabricate baseline and prototype conductive polymer films with several morphologies. This will be conducted at URI using existing facilities.
5. Test the effectiveness of the morphologies by conducting settling experiments using Ulva spores in simulated marine environments in the laboratory. One issue with this type of testing is that it needs to be at least one year in duration as earlier studies showed good data for two months but poor data after this time.
6. Select most promising morphology for further study in the second year of the project. Once the most promising candidates are selected some variants on these will be used in the second year.
FY07
1. Optimize morphology for effectiveness.
2. Fabricate test panels for long term testing in different locations
3. Identify adhesive technology for panel systems.
4. Install test panels to determine antifouling properties
First Year
1.Collect shellfish for analysis
2. Examine Shellfish by SEM
3. Identify Surface Morphologies
4. Prepare Conductive Polymer (Plain)
5. Prepare Conductive Polymer - surface features
6. Initiate Tests on antifouling
Second Year
7. Examine Samples after test
8. Determine Optimum Surface Morphology
9. Fabricate Samples Based on initial test data
10.Initiate Second round of testing
11.Final Report Generation
$140,119.00
Name Grad/Undergrad Underrepresented group Degree Program US
Gang Li Grad Asian PhD No
Hui Wan Grad Asian PhD No
Dharma Maddala Grad Indian MS No
Jonathan Canino Undergrad No Chemistry Yes
Joseph Prata Undergrad No Chemistry Yes
Ludmila Tsikhotskiy UG No Chemistry No
Rob Benevidies High School No None Yes
Patrick Fuller High School No None Yes
David Keach High Shool No None Yes
This project is not related to any of other URITC projects.
There are no technology transfer activities yet.
The benefits of this project are worldwide. All shipping invokes extra fuel costs due to fouling increasing the drag on hulls. This is not only a fuel operating cost but engines must work harder to overcome the extra drag, cooling water intakes suffer reduced flow so engines run hotter than they should, requiring extra maintenance. To guard against indigenous species, government agencies require more personnel to invoke regulations and check vessels. For Navy applications vessels top speed is affected and engine wear and tear. Potential customers are therefore the marine shipping industry, the US Navy, shoreline facility operators.
Materials, Antifouling, Conductive Polymers