Barnacle aluminum

Fig. 10.1 SEM images of various appearances of the supramolecular structure of barnacle adhesive (a) thin sheet of densely arranged nanometer-sized adhesive globules on aluminum foil (b) sponge-like appearance of adhesive with the tendency to form strands on a self-polishing coating (c) web-like adhesive of loosely matted strands on a PDMS coating.

Guy SP, Jones D, Mann DMA, Itzhaki RF (1991) Human neuroblastoma cells treated with aluminium express, an epitope associated with Alzheimer s disease neurofibrillary tangles. Neurosci Lett 121 166-168 Hollosi M, Urge L, Perczel A, Kajtar J, Teplan I, Otvos L Jr, Fasman GD (1992) Metal ion-induced conformational changes of phosphorylated fragments of human neurofilament (NF-M) protein. J Mol Biol 223 673-682 Huang Y-P, Bittar EE (1991) Protection by GTP from the effects of aluminum on the sodium efflux in barnacle muscle fibers. Biochim Biophys Acta 1062 255-263 Huber CT, Frieden E (1970) The inhibition of ferroxidase by trivalent and other metal ions. J Biol Chem 245 3979-3984... 

Biofouling also lessens the effectiveness of aluminum alloy (Al-Zn-Hg) sacrificial anodes used for cathodic protection of steel marine stmctures (Ref SO). The dominant fouling organisms are slimes, algae, bryozoans, and barnacles. 

Antifouling paints to prevent growth of algae, barnacles, and other sea organisms must be tailored to use on aluminum. The common antifouling paints for steels are not suited for use with aluminum because they contain leachable heavy metals, such as arsenic, copper, and lead, that can plate out on the aluminum and cause severe local corrosion. 

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