CC BY
3*
ALT'23 The 30th International Conference on Advanced Laser Technologies
LM-P-10
Laser method of relief formation on the surface of steel to protect against biofouling in the aquatic environment
M.A. Mikhalevich1, E.A. Davydova1, I.A. Filatov1, A.A. Novopashin1, A. Peltek1,
A.V. Shmalko2, G.V. Odintsova1
1 - ITMO University, Kronverksky Pr. 49, bldg. A, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia 2 - Interdisciplinary Nanotechnology Resource Center of Science Park, St. Petersburg State University, ul. Ulya-
novskaya 1, St. Petersburg, 198504, Russia
Currently, the problem of unwanted surface's fouling in aquatic environment is widespread in industry. Various methods of protection against biofouling exist, including hydropneumatic cleaning, application of anti-fouling coatings and laser microstructuring. The last one of the methods is an environmentally friendly preventive treatment that does not require additional resources.
This paper examined the influence of surface wettability characteristics and surface geometry parameters on the quantitative level of biofouling of stainless steel samples placed in a dynamic aquatic environment. A fiber ytterbium nanosecond laser source with a wavelength of 1064 nm was chosen as the processing tool, as steel has an absorption peak at the specified wavelength and this laser system is commercially available. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, profilometry, and the lying-drop method were used to evaluate the morphology of structures and wettability state. The quantitative level of biofouling was assessed using chemical indicators based on resazurin and resorufin. In the process of hydrophobization of the investigated surfaces for the adsorption of organic compounds after laser treatment, the samples were preserved for a long time in air under normal conditions.
In this paper, we studied the biomimetic structure of the rose formed by laser radiation parameters that conform to the treatment mode above the evaporation limits, and also the structure of which the laser radiation parameters are in the range of values below the evaporation limits. During the experiment, samples were placed in aquariums with a dynamic aquatic environment created by electric immersion pumps. The water for placing the samples was taken at the place with the highest proportion of microorganisms in the Leningrad region[1]. The samples were in the dynamic environment for 1-4 weeks, after which their surfaces were investigated for level of biofouling and wettability.
This study tested the hypothesis of changes in the level of biofouling depending on the obtained relief and surface wettability state. A decrease in the level of biofouling was revealed in samples with hydrophobic periodic relief obtained by laser structuring and prolonged exposure to air.
This research was supported by Priority 2030 Federal Academic Leadership Program.
[1] Polyak Yu.M. et al. Monitoring of the Gulf of Finland Baltic Sea: Impact of anthropogenic factors on biogeochemical processes in the coastal zone // Problems of ecological monitoring and modeling of ecosystems. - 2018. - T. 29. - №. 2. - C. 99-117.
