Inspired by nature: Paints and coatings containing bactericidal agent nanoparticles combat marine fouling
Monday, July 2, 2012 - 15:00
in Physics & Chemistry
Scientists have discovered that tiny vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles can inhibit the growth of barnacles, bacteria, and algae on surfaces in contact with water, such as ship hulls, sea buoys, or offshore platforms. Their experiments showed that steel plates to which a coating containing dispersed vanadium pentoxide particles had been applied could be exposed to seawater for weeks without the formation of deposits of barnacles, bacteria, and algae.