Antifouling properties

The use of neutron reflectivity at liquid interfaces, which is a method sensitive to both surface roughness and surfactant layer thickness, was reviewed with the examples of polydimethylsiloxane-surfactant layers.633 Sum-frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy was applied to study surface restructuring behavior of PDMS in water in an attempt to understand antifouling properties of silicones.6 ... 

The surface treatment agent perfluoropolyether-modified silane, (III), was prepared by the author [1] and had improved water/oil repellency, chemical resistance, and antifouling properties. 

In the soluble matrix type cuprous oxide and sometimes other biocides, is incorporated into a resin binder. The acidic resin slowly reacts with the sea water (pH approximately 8.0) and dissolves continuously exposing the cuprous oxide particles that are gradually released at the water/solid interface. The newly created surface provides antifouling properties. Depending on thickness the life of these paints on ships hulls, in contact with sea water, is 1 - 2 years. 

Chen Y, Deng Q, Mao J, Nie H, Wu L, Zhou W, et al. Controlled grafting from poly(vinyl-idene fluoride) microfiltration membranes via reverse atom transfer radical polymerization and antifouling properties. Polymer 2007 48(26) 7604—13. 

A unique fluoroepoxy compound is liquid at ambient temperature and can be cured by incorporation of suitable agents (e.g., amino silicone compounds) [2.37]. It forms finishes with low friction, oil and water repellency, and antifouling properties [2.38], [2.39]. 

PNIPAM is perhaps the mostly studied thermosensitive polymers and as such the majority of nanogels studied are based on PNIPAM. Recently, there has been much interest in developing PNIPAM alternatives. " Polymers based on OEGMAs have come to the forefront as a new generation of thermosensitive polymers with improved biocompatibility, sharpness of responsiveness, antifouling properties below LCST, and bio-ineitness. ... 

The addition of an amphiphilic copolymer has little effect on membrane permeability but it promoted excellent antifouling property. 

Sun, Q., Su, Y, Ma, X., Wang, Y, and Jiang, Z. 2006. Improved antifouling property of zwitterionic ultrafiltration membrane composed of acrylonitrile and sulfobetaine copolymer. Journal of Membrane Science 285 299-305. 

Abu Seman, M. N., Khayet, M., and Hilal, N. 2011. Development of antifouling properties and performance of nanofiltration membranes modified by interfacial polymerisation. Desalination 273 36-47. 

Blending is the other technique for the preparation of CS-based UF membranes. In our recent publication, Kumar et al. [70] used CS as an additive for the preparation of PSf/titanium dioxide nanotube hybrid membranes. The addition of CS resulted in increased hydrophilicity of the membrane, acted as pore former, and also resulted in uniform dispersion of titanium dioxide nanotubes in the blend or membrane. Further, Kumar et al. [71] prepared A-propylphosphonic chitosan (NPPCS), a novel derivative of CS that acted as a suitable additive for the enhancement of PSf UF properties. Due to the insolubility of NPPCS in common organic solvents, a new process was demonstrated for the blending of PSf and NPPCS. The same group, Kumar et al. [46], used CS as an additive for the improvement of the permeation and antifouling property of the PSf UF membrane. A maximum of 5% CS was incorporated into the PSf and CS blend. The permeation and antifouling property of the PSf/CS membranes increased with the increase in CS content. 

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