Surface modification of water treatment equipment for reducing CaSO4 scale formation

Scale formation has been recognised as a widespread problem in membrane filtration and water desalination processing for water treatment. In this paper, the effect of surface energy of Ni-P-PTFE composite coatings on the microstructure and adhesion of CaSO₄ deposits was investigated. The surface energies of the Ni-P-PTFE coatings were altered by changing the PTFE proportion in the coatings. Initial experimental results showed that the surface energy of the coatings had a significant influence on the microstructure and adhesion of CaSO₄ deposits. The Ni-P-PTFE coatings have a potential for reducing CaSO₄ scale formation on water treatment equipment.     

Initial fouling of nontoxic coatings in fresh,brackish, and sea water

Objectives of this project were to evaluate benefits — over the short term — that might derive from control of the surface properties of materials used in energy transfer devices; and to identify preferred ranges of surface parameters that might be specified to minimize deposits of biological fouling known to deteriorate energy exchange efficiencies in seawater, brackish water, and freshwater systems. By modifying the surface chemistry and surface energy of test plates with very thin coatings (nontoxic) and examining the acquired films at various time intervals, the earliest events of biofouling caused by macromolecules and microbial organisms were defined. Overall, the results were remarkably similar for all systems tested in showing that deliberate modification of the initial material surface qualities can significantly reduce the retention of biofouling layers.     

Environmentally Friendly Solvent‐ and Water‐Based Coatings for Mitigation of Crystallization Fouling

The surface properties of solvent‐based (SB) and water‐based (WB) coatings and their impact on fouling during convective heat transfer of CaSO₄ solutions were investigated. Experiments demonstrated that the SB coatings had generally better non‐adhesive characteristics, especially at higher values of the electron donor component since the deposits could easily be washed away. For the SB coatings, a longer induction period compared to those of untreated surfaces was observed and a significant reduction of the fouling rate could be achieved. Further analysis of surfaces revealed that SB coatings enhanced the acid‐base repulsive force and thus reduced the deposit/solid adhesion energy. For the WB coatings, the Liftshitz‐van der Waals attractive force plays a decisive role in the adhesion process due to the higher apolar component of the surface energy.     

Fouling-resistant polymer brush coatings

A major problem to be addressed with thin composite films used in processes such as coatings or water purification is the biofouling of the surface. To address this problem in a model system, functionalized polyaramide membranes containing an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator were synthesized as a versatile approach to easily modify the surface properties of the polyaramide. Poly(methacrylic acid) brushes were grown using surface initiated ATRP followed by the functionalization of the poly(methacrylic acid) brushes with different side-chains chosen to reduce adhesion between the membrane and foulant. The relation between membrane fouling and the physicochemical properties of the surface was investigated in detail.     

激光和等离子处理对复合材料表面涂层附着力的影响研究

为了提高环氧涂料在纤维增强聚丙烯复合材料上的附着力,采用激光和等离子体表面前处理方法,应用超景深显微镜、粗糙度测定仪、接触角测试仪以及附着力测试仪,研究了激光和等离子体表面处理对纤维增强聚丙烯复合材料表面形貌、表面粗糙度和表面水接触角的影响,并且探究了这 2种表面处理方式对环氧涂层在复合材料上附着力的影响。结果表明： 2种处理方式均可明显提高环氧涂层在基材上的附着力,附着力均可由不到 1 MPa提高至 8 MPa以上。     

Preparation and properties of crosslinked network coatings based on perfluoropolyether/poly(dimethyl siloxane)/acrylic polyols for marine fouling–release applications

α,ω‐Triethoxysilane terminated poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) oligomer, α,ω‐triethoxysilane terminated perfluoropolyether (PFPE) oligomer, and acrylic polyols were first synthesized via an addition reaction and free‐radical polymerization. Then, crosslinked network coatings based on PFPE/PDMS/acrylic polyols for marine fouling‐release applications were prepared by a condensation reaction. The structure of the crosslinked network coating was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The chemical composition of the coating surface was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The thermal properties, surface energy, mechanical properties, adhesion, and antiseawater immersion performance of the coatings were systematically studied. The antibiofouling properties of the crosslinked network coating were evaluated by laboratory biofouling assays with the bacteria Escherichia coli and the fouling diatom Navicula. The results from the preliminary study suggested that this crosslinked network coating had good adhesion and promising antifouling properties that were comparable to a silicone standard. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41860.     

Structure–property correlations of foul release coatings based on low hard segment content poly(dimethylsiloxane–urethane–urea)

We report the foul release characteristics of model poly(dimethylsiloxane–urethane–urea) (PDMSPU)-based coatings with a relatively lower hard segment content of 9 to 13.7 wt%. The PDMSPUs were prepared by facile moisture curing of isophorone diisocyanate-capped hydroxyalkyl-terminated PDMS. The surface free energies of the coatings were tuned (20–25 mJ/m²) by varying the hard segment content to be in the minimum adhesive regime (20–30 mJ/m²) of Baier’s curve pertaining to the relative amount of biofouling vs the critical surface tension of various chemical substrates. A series of complimentary analytical tools, namely ¹H NMR spectroscopy, small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), FTIR-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), contact angle goniometry, marine field tests, and quantitative biofouling adhesion in shear, have been employed to deduce several physicochemical parameters of importance to establish the structure property correlations. Further, the time-dependant changes in surface wettability and surface concentration of polar functional groups of the coatings (immersed in 3.5 wt% aqueous solution of NaCl) were investigated by FTIR-ATR and contact angle goniometry. The extent of surface restructuring was found to increase with increasing hard segment content of the PDMSPUs and consequently increasing attachment strengths of macrofoulants with the coatings, which were in the range 0.12–0.5 MPa.     

Experimental Study on Microbial Fouling Inhibition Performance of Ni-P-NanoTiO2 Composite Surfaces

Microbial fouling of heat exchangers causes serious issues including increased fuel consumption, flow resistance, and maintenance cost expenditure. Composite Ni-P-nanoTiO₂ coatings were prepared for inhibiting and mitigating the heat exchanger microbial fouling deposition. The surface energy components and wall adhesion work of microbial fouling medium had a significant effect on the microbial fouling deposition process. Compared with carbon steel coupons, the microbial fouling deposition on Ni-P-nanoTiO₂ coatings was reduced by about 90 % and the wall adhesion work and microbial fouling deposition rate of these coatings were less. The Ni-P-nanoTiO₂ coatings might not only be advantageous for controlling the initial microbial adhesion, but also effective for reducing the fouling deposition rate.     

Ni-W-P镀层的防垢性能

在紫铜基体上制备了化学镀Ni-W-P镀层,X射线衍射结果表明,镀层的结构形态为非晶态。污垢附着实验和池沸腾实验结果表明,低表面自由能的化学镀Ni-W-P镀层使污垢沉积速度降低了52%,在硫酸钙溶液中的传热系数则是紫铜表面的1.7倍。用高速摄影仪观察了沸腾表面的气泡行为,由于传热方式的差别形成了两种不同结构的硫酸钙污垢,紫铜表面为针状垢,而镀层表面是粒状垢。     

The effect of bioactive glass nanoparticles on corrosion barrier performance and bioactivity of zinc oxide coatings electrodeposited on Ti6Al4V substrate

Zinc oxide coatings were electrodeposited on Ti6Al4V substrates from a nitrate bath with and without 1 wt% BG nanoparticles at ?1.2 and ?1.4 V_Ag/AgCl, where the former voltage created a spherical morphology, the latter developed a flower-like one. The spherical morphology was modified through the incorporation of BG nanoparticles, where surface roughness, wettability, and adhesion strength of the coating were enhanced. The coatings with spherical morphology also revealed complete barrier property after immersion in PBS solution. However, fully adverse effects were found for the coatings deposited at ?1.4 V_Ag/AgCl. This indicates that morphology is the most important factor determining the properties of ZnO and ZnO-BG coatings. The highest corrosion barrier performance was achieved for the ZnO-BG composite coating with spherical morphology. Although the composite coating with flower-like morphology did not provide complete barrier property at short immersion times, it earned that at longer times due to the plugging supported by the BG nanoparticles. The bioactivity tests in SBF at long times showed that the formation of Ca-P deposits on the surface of the composite coatings was noticeably improved.     

Escherichia coli Biofilm Characteristics on Polymeric Heat Exchanger Surfaces

Time‐dependent effects on the apparent roughness and surface free energy of different polymeric surfaces and stainless steel were studied during the biofouling process for Escherichia coli K12. The surface roughness increases during primary adhesion of E. coli on the surfaces and is later reduced as the surface between scattered bacteria is completely covered, forming a uniform biofilm. During the fouling process, the polar fraction of the surface free energy significantly increased, whereas the dispersive fraction decreased for all substrates. The attachment of E. coli and subsequent bacterial production of extracellular polymeric substances increased the polarity of the initially nonpolar polymeric surfaces to increase wettability.     

Studies on the surface properties and the adhesion to metal of polyethylene coatings modified with primary aromatic amines

The surface free energy and acid–base characteristics of polyethylene coatings formed on steel in the presence of primary aromatic amines (PAAs) were investigated. PAAs were shown to interact with steel by a donor–acceptor mechanism. An increase in the coating adhesion is realized through chemical and physical bond formation between an adhesive and a substrate with the help of the PAA. The free surface energy of the contact‐to‐metal side of these coatings modified with PAA was shown to grow in parallel with the increase in adhesion. The results correlate with the data on polyethylene surface wetting with nonionic surfactants. Acid–base interactions were found to exert primary control over polyethylene's adhesion to steel. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 79: 388–397, 2001     

Adhesion characteristics of plasma surface treated carbon/epoxy composite

The load transmission capability of adhesive joints can be improved by increasing the surface free energy of the adherends with surface treatments. In this paper, suitable plasma surface treatment conditions for carbon/epoxy composite adherend were investigated to enhance the strength of carbon/epoxy composite adhesive joints using a capacitively coupled radio-frequency plasma system. Effects of plasma surface treatment parameters on the surface free energy and adhesion strength of carbon/epoxy composite were experimentally investigated with respect to gas flow rate, chamber pressure, power intensity, and surface treatment time. Quantitative chemical bonding analysis determined with XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) was also performed to understand the load transmission capabilities of composite adhesive joints with respect to surface treatment time.     

Adhesion characteristics of plasma-surface-treated carbon fiber-epoxy composite with respect to release films used during demolding

The load capabilities of carbon fiber-epoxy composite adhesive joints are affected by surface characteristics of the composite adherends such as surface free energy and chemical composition, which can be altered by plasma surface treatment and the type of release film for demolding carbon fiber-epoxy composites from metal molds. In this paper, suitable plasma surface treatment conditions for carbon fiber-epoxy composite adherends were investigated to enhance the strength of carbon fiber-epoxy composite adhesive joints using dielectric barrier discharges of atmospheric pressure plasmas. The effects of plasma surface treatment on the surface free energy and adhesion strength of carbon fiber-epoxy composites were experimentally investigated with respect to surface treatment time. Also, the surface and adhesion characteristics of carbon fiber-epoxy composites were investigated with respect to release films such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), high density polyethylene (PE) and Nylon 6.6. Quantitative chemical bonding analysis with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was also performed to understand the load capabilities of composite adhesive joints with respect to plasma treatment time and release films. From the experimental results, it was found that plasma treatment of carbon fiber-epoxy composites did enhance its adhesion strength, irrespective of the type of release film. Regarding adhesion strength, Nylon 6.6 was found to be the most suitable release film for these composites when no plasma treatment could be applied. From the XPS measurements on carbon fiber-epoxy composites, it was found that the carbon bond ratio of C=O to C-C and C-H reached a maximum at around 10 s treatment time, which corresponded well with the load transmission capability of the composite adhesive joint.     

热处理对钛基体表面电泳沉积GO/HA生物活性涂层的影响

采用电泳沉积法在钛基体表面制备氧化石墨烯(GO)/羟基磷灰石(Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂, HA)复合涂层,通过XRD和SEM等测试手段对不同热处理条件下得到的GO/HA涂层进行表征。研究结果表明,热处理有助于促进涂层中HA结晶度的提高,600℃和800℃的热处理温度并没有导致HA发生热分解,但有可能破坏了涂层中GO的有序晶体结构。GO/HA涂层具有优异的生物活性,但随热处理温度的升高,涂层的润湿性和生物活性下降。热处理过程有利于涂层致密,加强涂层与基体的结合,800℃热处理后的涂层结合强度高达25.31 MPa。     

Improvement of anti‐icing properties of low surface energy coatings by introducing phase‐change microcapsules

Polymers with low surface energy such as silicone and fluoropolymers are widely applied in preparing anti‐icing coatings, but they may have some limitations. To improve the anti‐icing properties of the coatings, composite coatings were developed by introducing phase‐change microcapsules (PCMs). Room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber and a fluorosilicone methacrylate copolymer were examined. Tests involving infrared thermal imaging, icing delay time, and ice shear strength were performed to determine the anti‐icing properties of the coatings. It was found that during cooling the composite coatings containing PCMs could release the latent heat of phase change to delay the icing process of water droplets on its surface. The introduction of PCMs increased the surface roughness, and the ice shear strengths of the composite coatings could remain at a low level and ice on the coatings could be easily removed, indicating that PCMs could be practicably applied in anti‐icing coatings. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:973–979, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Pool boiling fouling and corrosion properties on liquid‐phase‐deposition TiO2 coatings with copper substrate

Fouling on the heat transfer surfaces of industrial heat exchangers is an intractable problem, and several techniques have been suggested to inhibit fouling. Surface coatings are of such techniques by which the adhesion force between fouling and heat transfer surface can be reduced with low surface free energy thin films. In this article, liquid phase deposition was applied to coat titanium dioxide thin films on the red copper substrates with film thickness in micro‐ or nano‐meter scale. Coating thickness, contact angle, roughness, surface topography, and components were measured with X‐ray diffraction, contact angle analyzer, stylus roughmeter, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, respectively. Surface free energy of coating layers was calculated based on the contact angle. Heat transfer and fouling characteristics in pool boiling of distilled water and calcium carbonate solution on coated surfaces were investigated. Heat transfer enhancement was observed on coated surfaces compared with untreated or polished surfaces due to the micro‐ and nano‐structured surfaces which may increase the number of nucleation sites. The nonfouling time on the coated surfaces is extended than that on the untreated or polished surfaces due to the reducing of the surface free energy of coated surfaces. Corrosion behavior of coated surfaces soaked in the corrosive media of hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide alkali, and sodium chloride salt solutions with high concentration at room temperature a few hours was also explored qualitatively. Anticorrosion results of the coated surfaces were obtained. The coatings resisted alkali corrosion within 7.2 × 10⁵ s, acidic corrosion within 3.6 × 10⁵ s and salt corrosion within 2.16 × 10⁶ s. The present work may open a new coating route to avoid fouling deposition and corrosion on the heat transfer surfaces of industry evaporators, which is very important for energy saving in the related industries. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011     

Influence of fiber wettability on the interfacial adhesion of continuous fiber‐reinforced PPESK composite

Interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix has a strong influence on composite mechanical performance: better interfacial adhesion can enhance composite transverse properties, flexural properties, and interlaminar shear strength, and so on. To exploit the reinforcement potential of the fibers in advanced composite, it is necessary to reach a deeper understanding on the relation between fiber wettability and interfacial adhesion. In our experiment, we study the influence of fiber wettability on interfacial properties of fiber/PPESK composites by choosing three kinds of fibers with different wettabilities. The relation between fiber wettability and surface free energy was discussed, and the influence of fiber wettability on the interfacial property of fiber/PPESK composites was analyzed. Results indicate that higher surface free energy can enhance the wettability between fiber and matrix, and the humid resistance and interfacial adhesion can be improved at the same time. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 2544–2551, 2006     

铜板表面溅射MgF2在池沸腾条件下抗CaCO3污垢性能

污垢的沉积导致换热器的效率降低。采用磁控溅射技术在铜板基底上溅射MgF2,在池式沸腾装置中对CaCO3溶液的结垢过程进行了试验研究。利用扫描电镜（SEM）分析不同基底的表面形貌和计算了相应的表面能。研究表明,溅射MgF2的铜板其表面能较低,可提高其抗垢性能。     

板式换热器Ni-P-TiO2复合纳米镀层微生物污垢特性

换热器微生物污垢问题普遍存在于能源化工领域,污垢的聚集会导致设备的流动阻力、燃料消耗和维护成本支出大幅度增加。本文采用复合纳米镀层来抑制和减轻换热表面的微生物污垢的附着和沉积。首先采用化学镀的方式,在板式换热器的不锈钢316板上镀覆 Ni-P-TiO₂复合纳米镀层和对照性的Ni-P 镀层。基于板式换热器的微生物污垢在线监测实验系统,研究了镀覆Ni-P-TiO₂复合纳米镀层的板式换热器微生物污垢特性。结果表明,清洁状态下,镀覆两种镀层的板式换热器其摩擦系数（f）和Nusselt数（Nu）相较未镀覆板式换热器均略有增加;微生物污垢实验后,相比较未镀覆的板式换热器,镀覆Ni-P镀层的板式换热器污垢热阻减少了8.36%~23.07%,而镀覆Ni-P-TiO₂复合纳米镀层的板式换热器污垢热阻减少了16.6%~30.96%;在相同微生物污垢实验工况下,镀覆Ni-P-TiO₂复合纳米镀层的板式换热器的摩擦系数（f）相比Ni-P镀层的低2.54%~11.82%,但Nu却明显高于Ni-P镀层达8.47%~9.45%,并且污垢热阻明显小于Ni-P镀层达10.66%~18.18%,镀覆Ni-P-TiO₂复合纳米镀层的板式换热器展现了优异的强化传热性能和抑垢性能。