Anti-Fouling Properties of Phosphonium Ionic Liquid Coatings in the Marine Environment.

ABSTRACT: Biofouling is the buildup of marine organisms on a submerged material. This research tests the efficacy of phosphonium ion gels comprising phosphonium monomers ([P_444VB][AOT] and [P_888VB][AOT]) and free ionic liquid ([P₄₄₄₈][AOT], [P₈₈₈₁₄][AOT]) (10 to 50 wt%), varying copper(II) oxide biocide concentrations (0 to 2 wt%), and the docusate anion [AOT]^- for added hydrophobicity. The efficacy of these formulations was tested using a seachest simulator protected from light and tidal currents in New Zealand coastal waters over the summer and autumn periods. Anti-fouling performance was correlated with the hydrophobicity of the surface (water contact angle: 14-131°) and biocide concentration. Formulations with higher hydrophobicity (i.e., less free ionic liquid and longer alkyl chain substituents) displayed superior anti-fouling performance. The presence of the copper(II) biocide negatively affected anti-fouling performance via significant increases to hydrophilicity. No correlation was observed between antimicrobial activity and anti-fouling performance. Overall, phosphonium ion gels show potential for combining anti-fouling and foul release properties.

SUBMITTER: Baiju SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10534580 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature