A non-toxic antifouling compounds for marine paints.

VETERE, V., PÉREZ, M., GARCÍA, M., DEYÁ, M. STUPAK, M.AND DEL AMO, B.

SURFACE COATINGS INTERNATIONAL

Año: 1999 vol. 12 p. 1 - 4

1356-0751

Abstract The development of non-toxic or non-polluting antifouling components that can be employed in coatings requires assays involved target organisms. Benzoic acid has been used as bacterial repellents, but properties of benzoate anion as probable antifouling compound are mostly unknown. The efficacy of sodium benzoate as antifouling agent has been evaluated. Laboratory assays with the common barnacle Balanus amphitrite showed a narcotic effect of sodium benzoate/artificial sea water solution on nauplii, cyprids and adults. This behavior was faster as concentration of sodium benzoate was increased. Field trials confirmed successfully results to prevent barnacle settlement with soluble matrix paints formulated with sodium benzoate as antifouling agent. These results indicate the potential bio-activity of sodium benzoate on fouling organisms.   Keywords: sodium benzoate, Balanus amphitrite, laboratory assays, field trials, antifouling paints.