Cu Nanoparticle-Modified High-Density Polyethylene Monofilament and Its Antifouling Performance on Fishing Netting

Abstract EN

Cu nanoparticles (CuNPs) were modified by organic surfactant, then CuNP-modified high-density polyethylene (CuNP/HDPE) monofilaments were prepared by melt spinning.

The effect of CuNP content on the morphology and properties of nanocomposite monofilaments was investigated.

FT-IR and dynamic light scattering proved the successful surface modification for CuNP.

Scanning electron microscope was used to observe the dispersed behavior of the CuNP.

When the CuNP content was less than 1.0 wt%, the CuNPs were well dispersed in these nanocomposite monofilaments, and the increase of crystallization rate, the breaking strength, and knot strength were observed by differential scanning calorimeter and tensile test.

Therefore, nanocomposite monofilaments showed comparable properties at low CuNP contents.

With increasing CuNP content, the width of tanδ peak and △Ea for α-relaxation from dynamic mechanical analysis were increased, indicating more amorphous components near the crystalline regions.

In addition, burst release of Cu ions in seawater was observed.

The coupon tests demonstrated that CuNPs could significantly improve antibiofouling performance of CuNP/HDPE fishing netting.

CuNP/HDPE fishing netting have a strong potential for using in marine antifouling mitigation.