Eco-friendly design of superhydrophobic nano-magnetite/silicone composites for marine foul-release paints

Advances in nanomaterials science are associated with developments fabrication methods in terms of energy saving, environment friendliness, and low cost. Self-cleaning nanocoatings with fouling release (FR) mechanism have been extensively investigated because of their non-stick, non-leachant, ecological, and economic advantages. Herein, we successfully modeled a series of self-cleaning technologies by using elastiometric siloxane polymer/nano-magnetite composites. The nanocomposite systems are dynamic non-stick surfaces and deter any fouling attachment through physical anti-adhesion.

A series of superhydrophobic nanocomposites were synthesized through solution casting using different concentrations of nano-magnetite fillers. The composites were dispersed in linear ἀ,ὼ-dihydroxy polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Wettability characteristics, such as hydrophobicity, roughness, and free energy, were investigated by water contact angle analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to evaluate self-cleaning and FR features.

Improvement of anticorrosive properties

This study provides insights into how structure–property relationship can enhance biological antiadhesion and FR performance. The uniform distribution of the nano-magnetite particles improved their water repellency, smoothness, and biological inertness. The particles also exhibited high static contact angle of about 153° ± 2° and low surface free energy with the lotus effect. The bulk properties and durability as well as anticorrosive properties were improved.

The PDMS/magnetite nanomodels possess numerous advantages, such as simplicity, non-toxicity, environmental sustainability, commercial feasibility, low fuel consumption, and desirable self-cleaning surfaces with durability characteristics.

The study is published in: Progress in Organic Coatings Volume 116, March 2018, Pages 21-34.