Submerged surfaces exposed to marine biofouling – Experimental investigation of cleaning parameters effectiveness

Physical cleaning, an important factor in maintaining ships' hulls free from biofouling, can help to prolong the lifetime of fouling-control coating systems. This study investigated how mechanical cleaning parameters (cleaning force, duration and frequency) affected antifouling coatings' performance including fouling resistance property efficiency using a specially designed manual system. Meanwhile, surface conditions, visual appearance condition, roughness, contact angle were evaluated detail. Biocide release rates copper-based soluble paint (Cu-AF) under different conditions also assessed by Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis. Results field testing Danish sea area showed that frequency more than force on performance. Algae glue attachment increased difficulty non-coated acrylic (A-BS) fluorine-based copper insoluble (F-AF). For Cu-AF coated panels, no significant damages observed after cleaning. F-AF, scratches formed related frequency. The biocide various condition between 15.7 24.6 μg Cu cm−2 day−1. Gentle with proper has little influence rate. provides guidance strategies for coatings.