DIMINUTION OF THE COPPER CONCENTRATION IN ANTIFOULING PAINTS OF SOLUBLE MATRIX, EUGENOL USE AS ADDITIVE

Abstract

Biofouling leads to deterioration of any submerged material. The most widespread method for control is the application of cuprous oxide antifouling paints which are toxic. For this reason non-toxic natural products could be combined with small amounts of copper to diminish the contribution to the environment. The aim of this work was to reduce the amount of copper in antifouling paints employing eugenol as an additive. Three antifouling paints were prepared, one containing 16% v/v copper, another with 1.6% copper and a third with 1.6% copper + 2% eugenol. After 12 months of immersion in Mar del Plata harbour paints containing 1.6% copper + eugenol and 16% copper were the most effective. Although these formulations shown a similar performance, copper+eugenol based paint contains 90% less copper than a traditional copper based formulation. Therefore, the objective of this work was reached.