Calcium Silicate-Based Material as Filler for Paint Coatings

Paint coatings with optimal performances are an important element in the safety and efficiency of marine and river vessels, as well as other facilities exploited in the aquatic environment. In this work, we used a calcium hydrosilicate (CS)–based material derived by a hydrothermal process from technogenic waste (borogypsum) to modify paint coatings. The product with the specific surface area 155.2 m²/g and the density 3.1 g/cm³ comprised calcium sulfate, tobermorite, and xonotlite phases and consists mainly of acicular particles. The influence of calcium hydrosilicate, partially replacing calcium carbonate, on the properties of acrylic copolymer–based paint coatings was studied. The physical and mechanical properties, antifouling effect, water uptake, and erosion rate of paint coatings were studied. The results of these studies show the efficiency of calcium silicate to improve the physical and mechanical properties of coatings; a 1.5-fold increase in strength occurred. In addition, calcium hydrosilicate added to partially replace calcium carbonate did not deteriorate the antifouling effect.