Investigation of the resistance of protective coatings to fouling by the mollusk Dreissena polymorpha

Abstract

Fouling of hydraulic structures with a wide variety of organisms is a worldwide problem. Fouling organisms not only increase the load on technological equipment, but also contribute to the occurrence of bacterial corrosion, including symbiotic. One of the methods of prevention is the use of anti-fouling coatings. Universal anti-fouling coatings do not exist, since the mechanisms of fouling are different. The main ways to create coatings are a decrease in adhesion or the use of biocidal additives. The authors investigated the mechanisms of fouling of the mollusk Dreissena polymorpha in fresh water. For the prevention of mollusk fouling and symbiotic biocorrosion, we analyzed the results of experiments using epoxy coatings containing a biocidal additive (bottoms from aniline production). Based on the experiments, it was concluded that epoxy compositions with biocides for the prevention of fusion of zebra mussel are ineffective. More effective are coatings with low adhesive characteristics, for example, fluoroplastic, but difficult to apply and quite expensive.