A safe controlled-release biocide based on copper

✍ Scribed by P.M. Gaylarde; C.C. Gaylarde

• Book ID: 103984906
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1996
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 140 KB
• Volume: 37
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0964-8305
• DOI: 10.1016/0964-8305(96)84316-2

✦ Synopsis

Marine fouling is frequently controlled by paints containing organometalic compounds soluble in non-aqueous solvents. The compounds used, such as organotin products, are both stable and highly toxic. These properties lead to environmental damage. Simple inorganic copper compounds are of low toxicity to most higher organisms, but are effective biocides against most algae, many fungi and some bacteria. Incorporation of ionophores (chelating agents) into paints and resins creates the conditions for the controlled diffusion of copper from an underlying substrate, such as a primer containing copper oxide, through an intermediate paint or varnish layer. Provided the concentration of ionophor is low, there is no detectable discoloration. Results are presented showing the effects of treatment with a novel long-lasting copper-containing biocide on algal and funal growth on buildings. Studies in guinea pigs and rats indicate that neither the ionophor nor the copper complex have significant toxic or irritant effects.