Applications of Polyaniline-Alkaline Copper Carbonate Composites for Anti-Bio-Attachment of Concrete in Marine Environments

This study proposed the use of polyaniline-alkaline copper carbonate composites as anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling concrete additives and established a set of high-dispersion preparation methods for this composite additive. The effects of polyaniline-alkaline copper carbonate composites in concrete were investigated in marine environments via the preparation of concrete specimens, actual sea suspension experiments, concrete mechanical property tests, and biological attachment avoidance tests. The experimental results showed that (1) the yield of the chemical reactions leading to the preparation of the composite was above 96.46% with a good output. The composite was hydrophilic. The addition of ethylene carbonate as a surfactant and the mixing of the composite into the concrete in a suspension form enabled uniform dispersion of the composite. (2) In the sea waters of Zhoushan, China, bio-attachment was mainly dominated by barnacles and sea anemones. Polyaniline-alkaline copper carbonate composites had good anti-bio-attachment properties and could significantly reduce the amount of bio-attachment in concrete. (3) When the additive content was less than 0.20% of the concrete mass, it did not negatively affect the mechanical properties of the concrete specimens and exerted anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling effects. This reduced the strength loss of concrete and increased the service life of the concrete specimens in the ocean. To ensure the best application effect of the compound in concrete, the recommended content of the compound is 0.05-0.15% of the concrete mass.

Automated summary

This study proposes the use of polyaniline-alkaline copper carbonate composites as additives in concrete to prevent corrosion and biofouling. High-dispersion preparation methods for this composite additive were established. The effects of the composite in concrete were investigated through various tests, showing good anti-biofouling properties and no negative effects on the mechanical properties of the concrete specimens when the additive content was below 0.20% of the concrete mass. The recommended content for the best application effect is 0.05-0.15% of the concrete mass.