Efficiency of surface modified Ti coated with copper nanoparticles to control marine bacterial adhesion under laboratory simulated conditions

Abstract

Titanium (Ti) used as condenser material in nuclear power plants encounter severe biofouling in marine environment which in turn affects the efficiency of the metal. To reduce the biofouling by marine microorganisms, surface modification of the Ti was carried out by anodization process to obtain nanotubes (TiO 2-NTs). The electrolyte solution containing 1% of ammonium fluoride resulted in uniform growth of TiO 2-NTs. TiO 2-NTs were further coated with chemically synthesized copper nanoparticles (NT-CuNP) using 3-amino propyl triethoxy silane as a coupling agent. NT-CuNP was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energydispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The stability of the coating was determined by the amount of Cu + ions released into the surrounding using AAS. The microbial adhesion on the surface of Ti, TiO 2-NTs and NT-CuNP coupons were evaluated by sea water exposure studies using total viable count method and also characterized by FE-SEM for any morphological changes. The NT-CuNP coupons show a 60% reduction in microbial adhesion when compared to control Ti coupons.

Double Immobilized Superhydrophobic and Lubricated Slippery Surface with Antibacterial and Antifouling Properties

“…Titanium alloy is a metal with excellent anticorrosion performance, low density, and high strength and is widely utilized in marine engineering fields. – Therefore, titanium is called “marine metal” . However, due to its good biocompatibility, titanium alloy is easy to be contaminated by marine organisms and arousing safety problems. – Therefore, the research of protecting titanium alloy in oceanographic engineering is mainly focused on antibiofouling. , …”

“…5−7 Therefore, the research of protecting titanium alloy in oceanographic engineering is mainly focused on antibiofouling. 8,9 The control of marine biofouling can be divided into two types: physical type and chemical type. 10−13 Physical antifouling mainly uses the physical characteristics of the surfaces to make it difficult for marine organisms to attach or remove them by the shearing force and other forces when the ship is sailing.…”