Abstract—This study aim to investigate the potential of antifouling properties of zinc nitrate for mild steel in sea water. Fourier Transform Spectroscopy Infrared (FTIR) analysis is to identify various functiona l groups and unknown compounds present in the zinc nitrate that contribute to the antifouling properties. Screening test is conducted by using an Antifouling Crystal Violet Biofilm Assay method in order to prove the ability of the zinc nitrate to become an antifouling agent. Specimen used is mild steel A36 at dimension of 25mm × 25mm × 3mm. All specimens coated with zinc nitrate incorporated in acrylic varnish are immersed in sea water at Chendering Port about 50 days. Data were analyses by weight measurement method and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The weight measurement results shown as the amount of zinc nitrate increase, the higher antifouling rate. Zinc nitrate evidently proved the ability to inhibit the growth and the formation of biofilm of adhesive bacteria. It is significantly prevent the attachment of the biofouling organism.
Index Terms—Antifouling, biofouling, marine environment, zinc nitrate.
M. J. Suriani and W. B. Wan Nik are with the School of Ocean Engineering, Universiti Malaysia, Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia (e-mail: surianimatjusohumt.edu.my, niksani@umt.edu.my).
S. Ramlan is with the Alumni of Maritime Technology, School of Ocean Engineering, Universiti Malaysia, Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia (e-mail: syazuwani1@gmail.com).
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Cite: M. J. Suriani, S. Ramlan, and W. B. Wan Nik, "Antifouling Properties of Zinc Nitrate in Seawater," International Journal of Chemical Engineering and Applications vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 314-318, 2016.
