TiO2 thin Films for Biofouling Applications

Titanium oxide thin films were prepared with different amount of oxygen on the surface of regular 1020 steel, a structural material for marine technology. The cristalline structure analysis evidenced the formation of anatase and rutile phases, as well as an amorphous phase of titanium oxide.

Roughness measurements shown that the surface finish can contribute to the fixation of microorganisms. The crystalline TiO2 thin films was evaluated as a potential biofouling protective coating. Contact angle measurements revealed that under UV-C light, the material evidenced a changing in wettability from hydrophobic to hydrophilic behavior, what is associated to the activation of photocatalytic reactions that is nocive for living beings on its surface.