Abstract
This study explored xanthan gum
hydrogel coatings as an approach to more environmental friendly fouling
control strategies. Xanthan gum served as a filler in a conventional
rosin/acrylic coating matrix, leading to the formation of a 150 μm thick
gel layer on the coating surface upon seawater
exposure. While biocide-free xanthan hydrogel coatings did not have
significant antifouling capabilities, a synergistic effect between
hydrogel and cuprous oxide
was observed. During field tests at the CoaST Maritime Test Center
(CMTC), it was found that the cuprous oxide concentration could be
reduced by at least 50 wt% for the hydrogel coating without compromising
the antifouling performance. Two possible causes were identified.
First, the hydrogel coating could maintain a higher release rate over a
prolonged period and second, the hydrogel was able to accumulate Cu2+,
increasing retention time on the surface, creating a hostile
environment. A synergistic enhancement in gel strength, yield point, and
flow point was observed when xanthan was combined with konjac mannan.
While promising for static applications, the rheological assessments of
the different gels highlighted challenges for the application in dynamic
settings like moving ships.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 108197 |
Journal | Progress in Organic Coatings |
Volume | 188 |
ISSN | 0033-0655 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Keywords
- Antifouling
- Biobased
- Polysaccharides
- Xanthan gum hydrogel coatings