Metastable Cu-Fe-Sn-Si-P Coating for Marine Biofouling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antifouling coatings for marine vessels face limitations such as reduced effectiveness when ships are stationary, environmental pollution from VOCs and toxic substances, and the persistence of microplastics, which harm marine organisms and ecosystems.
Innovation Solution
A metastable-phase antifouling cladding layer composed of a Cu—Fe—Sn—Si—P copper-based solid solution with supersaturated Fe, dispersedly distributed Fe-rich precipitation phases, and microchannels formed through rapid solidification and electrochemical corrosion, enhancing copper ion release and reducing corrosion product bonding strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional copper alloy surfaces are used, then initial antifouling effect is achieved, but corrosion products form and adhere to the surface causing loss of antifouling ability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a porous surface layer on the copper alloy through controlled corrosion, where the porous structure prevents dense adhesion of corrosion products and maintains copper ion release. The porous layer allows seawater penetration and prevents fouling organisms from firmly attaching to the underlying metal surface, thereby extending the service life while maintaining antifouling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static copper alloy surface into a dynamic system where the surface layer continuously evolves through controlled corrosion. The surface morphology changes over time, with corrosion products forming a loose, non-adherent porous structure rather than a dense adherent layer, enabling the surface to self-regenerate its antifouling properties throughout the service period.
2Reliability
If self-polishing antifouling coatings are applied, then antifouling performance is improved, but microplastics are released into the ocean causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of corrosion product adhesion into a beneficial porous surface structure. Instead of preventing corrosion product formation, it promotes controlled corrosion that creates a porous layer which itself provides the antifouling function, eliminating the need for microplastic additives while maintaining or improving antifouling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes harmful microplastic additives and toxic coating materials from the system entirely. By using a pure copper alloy substrate with controlled surface corrosion, it extracts the unnecessary polymeric components that shed as microplastics, achieving antifouling protection through copper ion release and porous surface structure alone.
3Reliability
If dense corrosion products form on copper alloy surfaces, then corrosion resistance is improved, but copper ion precipitation rate decreases reducing antifouling effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a porous surface layer that allows copper ions to diffuse through to the seawater interface while the porous structure prevents dense corrosion products from forming. The porosity maintains a high surface area for copper ion release and allows continuous renewal of the corrosion layer, preventing the formation of a dense barrier that would block ion release.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves long-term prevention of marine biofouling by increasing the contact area with seawater, storing copper ions, and promoting a self-polishing effect, thereby maintaining antifouling performance for extended periods and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
Copper alloys could release a certain concentration of copper ions during seawater immersion, showing excellent antifouling properties. Taking advantage of the toxicity of copper to fouling organisms, the copper ions could be released through copper corrosion to inhibit the attachment of fouling organisms.
Implementation Method 2
the antifouling cladding layer includes a dispersedly distributed Fe-rich precipitation phase and a Cu-rich solid solution containing supersaturated Fe
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a coating for preventing marine biofouling and a preparation method thereof, wherein, the coating for preventing marine biofouling, including an antifouling cladding layer disposed on a metal substrate, the antifouling cladding layer is a metastable-phase antifouling cladding layer; the antifouling cladding layer includes a dispersedly distributed Fe-rich precipitation phase and a Cu-rich solid solution containing supersaturated Fe, and the Cu-rich solid solution containing supersaturated Fe is a Cu—Fe—Sn—Si—P copper-based solid solution; the antifouling cladding layer is prepared by a raw material of a Cu—Fe—Sn—Si—P alloy powder; the Cu—Fe—Sn—Si—P alloy powder is prepared by the following raw materials in mass percentage: Fe: 8% to 40%; Sn: 0.3% to 8%; Si: 0.1% to 0.5%; P: 0.1% to 0.5%; and Cu as a balance; and the metal substrate is selected from the group consisting of a steel substrate, a copper alloy substrate, a titanium alloy substrate, and an aluminum alloy substrate.