Fouling Inhibition Through Multi-Function disruption of Marine Cement-Coating Interface Interactions
Abstract
We propose to design multi-functional coatings aimed at providing resistance to both soft and hardfoulers while also being amenable to fouling release. While our prior work has definitively shown the advantages of tailored sequence-controlled chemical functionalities for non-toxic surfaces resistant to soft-foulers, we hypothesize that the incorporation of adhesion disruptors is necessary to achieve hard fouling resistance. In the last cycle of funding, we demonstrated the utility of stable free radicles in disrupting the redox chemistry of cement formation and therefore reducing the adhesion of barnacles to surfaces. We now propose to produce coatings with sequence-controlled chemical functionalities that include adhesive disruptors (both anti-oxidants and pH control buffers) in addition to amphiphilic segments. In addition, we will leverage the chemistries we have developed for marine anti-fouling coatings to coat water separation membranes in collaboration with others in the ONR Environmental Quality Programs. Our overarching goals are to:# Explore and understand active adhesion disruptors including both stable radicals and pHbuffers paired with hydrophilic groups such as PEG, morpholine or zwitterions# Incorporate multiple kinds of adhesion disruptors into sequence defined peptoids and optimize their placement on a polypeptoid chain to ensure strong surface activity# Develop new large-scale coating methods that incorporate active components (e.g., antioxidant, buffer) and apply to block copolymers and other substrates to test efficacy of strategy to a range of substrates (focused on anti-fouling coatings, but also exploring membrane surfaces)# Develop laboratory scale assays for in-situ colorimetric experiments for radical detection and pH evaluation to relate surface coating changes with fouling resistance and fouling release behavior (particularly focused on hard fouler settlement)We will synthesize Surface Active Block Copolymer (SABC) coatings functionalized with sequence controlled and modular means of introducing multiple surface-active chemical functionalities. Specifically, sequence-controlled polypeptoids incorporating multiple anti-fouling functionalities will be grafted to a siloxane-based triblock copolymer scaffolds. Polymers will contain amphiphiles, zwitterions, anti-oxidants, and pH stabilizers with the goal of understanding the role of complex interactions on marine organism fouling. These polymers are designed to assemble so as to present the functionalities to the water surface when deposited as very thin films on top of low modulus, inexpensive thermoplastic elastomers. We will also establish methods and procedures to make large scale coatings for testing in the Naval Research Lab, Singapore, and Newcastle test sites (on a variety of substrates). Simultaneously, we will develop similar chemistries for incorporation on mesoporous alumina membranes via silane chemistry for testing of membrane Anti-fouling properties. As an educational institution, UCSB performs fundamental and unclassified research. Any data or information developed or provided by UCSB, including but not limited to publications and reports, shall be unclassified fundamental research exempt from dissemination controls or review requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312140
Entities
People
- Rachel A. Segalman
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Santa Barbara