1,2,3-Triazole/MWCNT conjugates as filler for gelcoat nanocomposites: new active antibiofouling coatings for marine application

A polyester-based gelcoat nanocomposite was synthesized by using as nanofiller multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) conjugated with a biocidal 1,2,3-triazole to be used as a new eco-friendly antibiofouling coating. 1,2,3-Triazole/MWCNT conjugates containing differently substituted 1,2,3-triazoles have been synthesized and characterized by physical, chemical, and morphological analyses. Ecotoxicological studies, performed on marine organisms belonging to different evolutive classes, provided information about the choice of the more interesting nanofiller. The synthesized gelcoat nanocomposite showed a significant improvement in the wet ability with respect to the Gelcoat alone. Preliminary biological tests performed on the nanocomposite revealed great biocidal properties, thus providing new opportunities to develop an effective antibiofouling coating. (paper)