Durable self-polishing antifouling Cu-Ti coating by a micron-scale Cu/Ti laminated microstructure design

Marine biofouling is a major issue deteriorating the service performance and lifespan of marine infrastructures. The development of a durable, long-term, and environment-friendly antifouling coating is therefore of significant importance but still a critical challenge in maritime engineering. Herein, we developed a Cu-Ti composite antifouling coating with micron-sized alternating laminated-structure of Cu/Ti by plasma spraying of mechanically mixed Cu/Ti powders. The coating was designed to enable controlled release of Cu ions through galvanic dissolution of Cu laminates from the Cu/Ti micro-galvanic cell in aqueous solution. Results showed that remarkable antifouling efficiency against bacterial survival and adhesion up to similar to 100 % was achieved for the Cu-Ti coating. Cu/Ti micro-galvanic cell was in-situ formed within Cu-Ti coating and responsible for its Cu ions release. The successive dissolution of Cu laminates resulted in the formation of micro-channels under Ti laminates near surface, which contributed to controlled slow Cu ions release and self-polishing effect. Thus, environment-friendly antifouling capability and similar to 200 % longer antifouling lifetime than that of the conventional organic antifouling coatings can be achieved for the Cu-Ti coating. On the other hand, as compared to the conventional organic antifouling coatings, the Cu-Ti composite coating presented much higher mechanical durability due to its strong adhesion strength, excellent mechanical properties, and two orders lower wear rate. The present laminated Cu-Ti coating exhibits combination of outstanding antifouling performance and high mechanical durability, which makes this coating very potentially candidates in marine antifouling application. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Automated summary

Marine biofouling is a major issue affecting the service performance and lifespan of marine infrastructures. Developing a durable and environmentally friendly antifouling coating remains a critical challenge in maritime engineering. The Cu-Ti composite coating showed remarkable antifouling efficiency and a significantly longer lifetime compared to traditional coatings, while also exhibiting higher mechanical durability.