Effects of carbon nanotubes on the mechanical strength of self-polishing antifouling paints

Antifouling (AF) paints are of great importance for marine vehicles in preventing biofouling. After the banning of tributyltin-based paints because of their genotoxic effects on non-target marine organisms, research on the development of eco-friendly antifouling paints has been accelerated. The mechanical strength of antifouling paints is also an important issue for the service life of coatings. The effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the mechanical strength of a self-polishing antifouling paint was investigated in the present study. The experimental data were also modelled using an artificial neural network (ANN). In conclusion, an optimum amount of CNT leads to an increase in the mechanical strength of self-polishing antifouling paints. It was also found that ANN is a useful tool for modelling antifouling paint compositions.