Anti-Biofouling Features of Eco-Friendly Oleamide–PDMS Copolymers

Abstract

The biofouling of marine organisms on a surface induces serious economic damage. One of the conventional anti-biofouling strategies is the use of toxic chemicals. In this study, a new eco-friendly oleamide− PDMS copolymer (OPC) is proposed for sustainable anti-biofouling and effective drag reduction. The anti-biofouling characteristics of the OPC are investigated using algal spores and mussels. The proposed OPC is found to inhibit the adhesion of algal spores and mussels. The slippery features of the fabricated OPC surfaces are examined by direct measurement of pressure drops in channel flows. The proposed OPC surface would be utilized in various industrial applications including marine vehicles and biomedical devices.

Effective Icephobicity of Silicone Oil-Infused Oleamide–Polydimethylsiloxane with Enhanced Lubrication Lifetime

“… 32 − 34 In OPs, the incorporation of oleamide in PDMS decreases the elastic modulus of the polymer; accordingly, the network expands and contains more silicone oil. 28 , 29 , 34 The presence of the oil layer on SiOPs can be confirmed by checking the increase in Φ max value due to low elastic modulus of OP. When the Φ max value exceeds the critical oil content, an oil layer is formed on the SiOP surface, unlike SiPDMS.…”

“…According to eq , the chain length between cross-links is increased with the decrease in the G of the polymer. This notion implies that more oil is impregnated with the expansion of the polymer network. − In OPs, the incorporation of oleamide in PDMS decreases the elastic modulus of the polymer; accordingly, the network expands and contains more silicone oil. ,, The presence of the oil layer on SiOPs can be confirmed by checking the increase in Φ max value due to low elastic modulus of OP. When the Φ max value exceeds the critical oil content, an oil layer is formed on the SiOP surface, unlike SiPDMS.…”

“…Thus, the pressure drop measured in a flow channel coated with OP is smaller than that in a channel coated with pristine PDMS. 29 This slippery property of oleamide may contribute to the lower τ ice value of the SiOP surface compared with the SiPDMS surface even after the oil on the surface dries.…”

“…The reasons for the smaller G values of SiOP may be as follows: (1) the effect of oleamide incorporation and (2) the effect of oil infusion. In the former case, the incorporation of oleamide into PDMS gives rise to a smaller elastic modulus . In addition, the oil impregnation softens the polymer and decreases the elastic modulus. , If the Φ values of SiOPs are higher than those of SiPDMS after the oil dried on the surfaces, this would contribute to the low τ ice of SiOPs.…”

“…To resolve this limit of LIP, we newly add oleamide to PDMS as an additional lubricant. Oleamide, a natural material extracted from plants or animals, has been known to weaken the adhesion of biofoulers and improve the scratch resistance. − This material has been used as a slip agent in industries to reduce the skin friction of polymers or plastic polyethylene films. Furthermore, oleamide is an economical and ecofriendly material.…”