Transitioning to nontoxic antifouling paints

GARCÍA, M. T.; STUPAK M.; M. PÉREZ; BLUSTEIN, G.,

PIGMENT & RESIN TECHNOLOGY

EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LIMITED

Lugar: Leeds; Año: 2015 vol. 44 p. 116 - 121

0369-9420

Purpose Biofouling leads to deterioration of any submerged material. The most widespread method for control is the application of cuprous oxide antifouling paints which are toxic. The purpose of this paper is to reduce the amount of copper in antifouling paints employing eugenol as an additive. First of all, the paper describes the effect of eugenol on larvae of Balanus amphitrite (fouling organism) under laboratory conditions and then, the preparation, application and performance of different types of antifouling paints in field trials. Design/methodology/approach Three types of soluble matrix antifouling paints were prepared with different pigments. The first one containing 16% v/v copper, the second with 1.6% copper and the third with 1.6% copper+2% eugenol. Findings After 12 months of immersion in Mar del Plata harbour paints containing 1.6% copper+eugenol and 16% copper were the most effective. Although these formulations showed a similar performance, copper+eugenol based paint contains 90% lesser copper than a traditional copper based formulation. Originality/value The use of antifouling paints with copper+eugenol combination as pigment is a promising alternative due to its performance, low cost and reduction in copper leaching to environment.