Physicochemical Control of Composition and Location for Fundamental Studies of Biofouling Resistant, High Fouling Release Surfaces
Abstract
Abstract This program seeks to develop a fundamental understanding of the spatial and temporal chemistry needed for new non-toxic, fouling resistant coatings by constructing chemically patterned surfaces with different time responses to their environment. The proposed project builds on our current research and involves the formation of patterned coatings from specifically synthesized polymer brushes as well as surface-active block copolymers (SABC) that can be assembled on test surfaces. The research proposed in this program will be focused, as a result of recent successful studies, on the preparation and testing of hydrophilic, hydrophobic and zwitterionic groups incorporated into “ambiguous surfaces” that are chemically patterned at various length scales. The advantage of this approach is that we can create fundamental understanding leading to new low cost coatings with molecular and higher level control of the fouling resistant (FR) surface to solve a major Navy problem. The goal of this research is thus to produce FR coatings and to understand why these coatings are effective for fouling release. In constructing these surfaces we will collaborate with the group of Rachel Segalman at UCSB. The coatings will be tested for their ability to provide specific surface properties. Surface analytical methods will include imaging X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and microscopy, and scanning force microscopy (SFM) as well as contact angle studies. We are initiating studies using neutron reflection to take advantage of the natural labeling that fluorination provides. In addition, studies of fouling settlement as well as fouling release in conjunction with ONR investigators such as J. Finley, A. Clare and D. Wendt will also provide direct evaluation of the performance of these surfaces in marine fouling environments. Such measurements are essential in providing feedback to allow us to discern the connections between the molecular and higher level structures of our surfaces and their fouling resistance/release. This proposal represents a close collaboration between the groups of Kramer and Hawker at UCSB and Ober at Cornell. Proposals for each institution are being submitted separately to save the expense of a sub-contract.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512281
Entities
People
- Ed Kramer
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Santa Barbara