A study on the effect of surface topography of antifouling coatings on the settlement of fouling organisms

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the correlation between different topographies and the reaction of Ulva Linza fouling species. Design/methodology/approach In this research, topographies with a different method, such as hot embossing and hot pulling, were achieved, and biological analyses were done with macroalgae Ulva Linza cells. The effect of topography via local binding geometry (honeycomb size gradients) and Wenzel roughness on the settling of Ulva microorganisms was tested. Findings As a result, Ulva spores confirmed different reactions to a similar set of tapered microstructures that was in agreement with the results on distinct honeycombs. The local binding geometry and the Wenzel roughness factor “r” were dominant on settling of Ulva Linza spores. Research limitations/implications The reaction of an organism at the interface of vehicles’ substrate is powerfully affected by surface topographies. Practical implications The best embedment occurred on structures with bigger sizes than Ulva Linza’s spores. The density of settled spores was proportional to Wenzel roughness and the spores favour to attach to “kink sites” positions. Social implications Unfortunately, unpleasant aggregation of marine biofouling on marine vehicles’ surfaces, generate terrific difficulties in the relevant industry. Originality/value There was a sharp relationship between Wenzel roughness and settle of Ulva Linza spores. The local binding geometry and the Wenzel roughness factor “r” were dominant on settling of Ulva Linza spores.