Engineering Graphene Oxide based Nanocomposite Paints against Marine Biofouling

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Marine biofouling, the accumulation and colonization of various marine microorganisms, plants, algae, and shellfish on vessels’ hull exposed to seawater, generates significant problems for marine shipping1. For example, biofouling based frictional effects results in decreased speeds and up to 40% increased fuel consumption to compensate; as a result, the International Maritime Organization (2009) estimates that greenhouse emissions (CO2 and SO2) would be expected to increase 38-72% by 2020 if no new efficient technology is developed. Currently, many antifouling technologies and paints have been developed to address the issue; however, if environmentally benign such as silicone elastomers, they are less effective and unsuitable for stationary or slowing moving vessels. Current effective anti-fouling agents are associated with adverse and often non-specific toxicity through their release of heavy metals (copper, tin or zinc) which in some cases such a tributyltin, disrupted endocrine systems of non-target organisms. Consequently, it is highly desirable to develop efficient and environmental friendly approaches to address marine biofouling.