Liquid flame spray fabrication of polyimide-copper coatings for antifouling applications

Liquid flame sprayed polyimide-copper coatings were developed for marine antifouling applications. Mixture of polyimide precursor and copper particles was prepared as the starting feedstock for making the composite coatings. Synthesis of polyimide was achieved during the spraying and polyimide acts as binder to fix copper particles. Copper particles were enwrapped by polyimide matrix and distribute evenly in the coatings. Further electrochemical testing revealed excellent corrosion resistance of the coatings in artificial seawater. The coatings resist effectively colonization of E. coli and Bacillus sp. bacteria on their surfaces, suggesting their remarkable antifouling performances. The results shed light on construction of polymer-based antifouling layers for widespread marine applications.