Assessing the antifouling properties of cold-spray metal embedment using loading density gradients of metal particles

Abstract

Particles of copper, bronze and zinc were embedded into a polymer using cold-spray technology to produce loading density gradients of metal particles. The gradients were used to identify the species with the highest tolerance to the release of copper and zinc ions. The gradients also established the minimum effective release rates (MERRs) of copper and zinc ions needed to prevent the recruitment of fouling under field conditions. Watersipora sp. and Simplaria pseudomilitaris had the highest tolerances to the release of metal ions. Copper and bronze gradient tubes were similar in their MERRs of copper ions against Watersipora sp. (0.058 g m(-2) h(-1) and 0.054 g m(-2) h(-1), respectively) and against S. pseudomilitaris (0.030 g m(-2) h(-1) and 0.025 g m(-2) h(-1), respectively). Zinc was not an effective antifoulant, with failure within two weeks. In conclusion, cold-spray gradients were effective in determining MERRs and these outcomes provide the basis for the development of cold-spray surfaces with pre-determined life-spans using controlled MERRs.

Antifouling coatings made with Cold Spray onto polymers: Process characterization

“…In [4] copper embedded into nylon with a depth of 40μm and a surface coverage of 60% provided AF protection for approximately 181 days. Comparing to other tests [10] in which only surface coverage was reported, a 12 weeks AF protection is potentially generated by the coatings produced in this study. By a way of comparison, soluble matrix paints used on boat hulls last for 12-15 months at the most.…”

Stainless steel coated by Cu NPs via dopamine coupling for antifouling application

“…It has been reported that copper is a broad spectrum biocide. Copper‐based materials are always harmful to marine microorganisms, such as bacteria and diatom . Therefore, copper and copper‐based coatings are the most commonly used broad‐spectrum antifouling layers.…”

“…Copper-based materials are always harmful to marine microorganisms, such as bacteria and diatom. 11,12 Therefore, copper and copper-based coatings are the most commonly used broad-spectrum antifouling layers. Previous work demonstrated that copper-based materials possessed excellent antibacterial property, and the diatom was sensitive to copper ions released from copper-based coatings.…”

Cold gas spray coatings: basic principles corrosion protection and applications

“…Using the WC-Co coatings, the service life of these turbines may be higher due to the wear resistance offered by the coating 1 . The CGS coatings show corrosion and wear resistance but the technique can produce functionality surfaces as well, for example, photocatalytic 42 and coatings with antifouling activity 119,120 . The photocatalytic activity and the microstructure of ECTFE polymer composite coatings and C-TiO 2 nanoparticles deposited onto an epoxy resin by low pressure cold gas spraying (LPCGS) was investigated by Robotti et.…”

“…It consists in the spraying of a feedstock material onto surfaces with low thermal or electric conductive to improve it is characteristics or bring some functionality to the surface 119,120 . Highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) used in boats parts was metalized by CGS process and has shown excellent antifouling properties.…”