In this chapter, we studied anti-algal coating development with silica-titania
core-shell nanoparticles using a novel organic synthesis approach; peptization.
Development of nano core-shell through this peptization methodology improved the two
different material properties in a single nanoparticle excellently i.e. core silica improved
the mechanical strength, and shell titania enhanced the anti-algal property of the coating.
These coatings were formulated in two model binders: solvent-based binder polyurethane
and water-based emulsion poly-acrylic at various concentrations of nanoparticles against
hazardous algae present in seawater. Obtained results confirmed these developed coatings
are super protective coatings using silica-titania core-shell nanoparticles, which are
highly anti-algal as well as mechanically-strengthened that can be useful as marine
antifouling coatings for water boats or ships and when it would be applied to the
underwater hull of ships, discourages or prevents the growth of organisms that attach to
the hull. It would also improve the flow of water passing the hull of a fishing vessel or
high-performance racing yacht because of the smoothness of the coatings. Additionally,
the irradiation effect of low energy ions was also investigated on these coating surfaces
and found excellent results towards application in marine paint.
Keywords: Algae, Anti-algal activity, Irradiation effects, Low energy ions,
Mechanical strength, Nano-coating, Peptization process, Poly-acrylic,
Polyurethane, Silica-titania core-shell nanoparticle.
