Antifouling properties of conductive rubber coatings used for fishing nets

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to develop a new conductive coating for application on fishing nets that can be used as an anode, while submersed in the sea, to generate free chlorine which will in turn inhibit marine biofouling. To confirm the durability and viability of this coating, long-term field tests were carried out in the Nanao harbor in Taiwan. Electrical resistivity tests showed that conductive rubber with a polyaniline coating demonstrates the lowest resistivity: 0.11 Ωm. This sample also generated optimal quantities of free chlorine, which demonstrates antifouling properties. The use of carbon black in conjunction with polyaniline did not prove to yield greater benefits. A 500 day field test showed that the CR-P-N conductive coatings reduced the quantity of marine biofouling attached to the cage by approximately 53%. Furthermore, the chlorine produced was within safe levels, and judged not to pollute the sea.