Biofouling resistant polyethylene cage aquaculture nettings: A new approach using polyaniline and nano copper oxide
Biofouling resistant polyethylene cage aquaculture nettings: A new approach using polyaniline and nano copper oxide
Date
2017
Authors
Ashraf, P.M.
Sasikala, K.G.
Thomas, S.N.
Edwin, L.
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Abstract
Biofouling in cage aquaculture netting causes clogging of meshes, increased stress and
retards the growth of fishes. This paper describes a new method of protecting polyethylene cage nettings
from biofouling using polyaniline and nano-copper oxide. Polyaniline was synthesized in-situ
over polyethylene cage netting material and subsequently treated with nano copper oxide. The modified
netting material exposed to estuarine environment exhibited excellent fouling resistance. FTIR
characterization confirmed the formation of polyaniline and adsorption of nano copper oxide over
the netting material. SEM and AFM evaluation showed uniform coating of polyaniline and nano
copper oxide on the polyethylene-polyaniline (PE-PANI) matrix. The results highlight the potential
application of polyaniline plus nano copper oxide coated polyethylene nettings in controlling biofouling
in cage aquaculture.
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Citation
Arabian J. Chem., http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2017.08.006