Synthesis and Evaluation of Cellulose Nanofiber Coatings to Prevent Biofouling

Project Description

Marine biofouling on aquaculture infrastructure increases fuel and maintenance costs for the aquaculture industry. Current methods to prevent biofouling do not fully prevent organism attachment or use chemicals that are toxic to biofouling organisms as well as other marine life. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is a non-toxic material that is economically available at a scale that could enable its use in developing anti-biofouling materials. CNF is characterized by unusual surface activity characteristics that may discourage bioadhesion. Project personnel are making films of CNF using textured templates and will characterize the final texture of the film and other properties of the film, such as erosion rate. CNF is a sustainable material that should have no harmful, toxic effects to marine life. CNF films should be low cost to produce. Researchers will explore various additives to modify properties.

Results and Accomplishments

The dissolution of CNF films in water has been characterized. A texture could be generated in the CNF film if drying against a textured surface, such as a release paper. The biofouling of this material was characterized and showed promise. The CNF films were weakened in water, but still had a slow erosion rate. The textures produced are interesting and can be at the micron length scale. CNF seem to have some resistance to bacterial growth and proliferation. These results indicate the concept of slowly eroding films, to sluff off biofilms, will be difficult to obtain. However, a texture surface, with a slippery addition, such as silicon oil, does have some potential. If this work is successful, an environmentally friendly system to combat biofouling on boats and other marine equipment is possible. There is a chance that the textured surface, comparable to shark skin, could reduce the drag during operation and reduce energy costs.

Summary of Data Being Collected

Data Type Quantity Location
Film drying rates Gravimetric Three initial solids, three thickness, samples generated and analyzed Bousfield Laboratory, UMaine
Film erosion rates Gravimetric Ten conditions of production and additives, samples generated and analyzed Bousfield Laboratory, UMaine