Influence of different silicone oils on properties of MWCNTs-OH/PDMS coatings

To research the influence of different silicone oil on the properties of the coatings based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) reinforced by hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes, phenylmethyl silicone oil (PSO), methyl silicone oil (MSO), and the blend of PSO and MSO were incorporated into the antifouling coatings. The surface properties and leaching of silicone oil were investigated by water and diiodomethane contact angle and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The mechanical properties were investigated by tensile test, and the antifouling properties were tested via bacterial biofilms and the diatom Navicula tenera adhesion. Results revealed that leaching rate, hydrophobicity, and surface free energy with coating with the blend of MSO and PSO (P/M-PDMS) was between those of the coating with PSO (PSO-PDMS) and coating with MSO (MSO-PDMS). P/M-PDMS was better than MSO-PDMS in resisting fouling organisms. P/M-PDMS prolonged the leaching process of the blend of MSO and PSO and showed better antifouling performance.