(245i) Novel Coating Material for Controlling Corrosion and Biofouling in Water Supply System

Corrosion and microbial contamination in water supply system could cause fouling and failure of drinking water pipes. Microorganisms colonize on pipe surfaces by forming biofilm that resists chlorine disinfectant, which could lead to reduction of distribution efficiency, shorter service time but higher energy consumption. Physical and biological fouling in the drinking water supply system not only remarkably increase the water treatment cost, but also seriously threaten water quality and human health. This research project is to develop safe and effective anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling coating material for water pipes and pumps. The new coating is composed of epoxy matrix and antimicrobial polymers including polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). Studies show that the new coating has excellent adhesion property on metal substrates, as well as exhibits contact-killing and bactericidal activities to effectively prevent biofilm formation on different substrates including metal, glass and plastics. Moreover, a pilot-scale friction test rig was installed to simulate the real use condition of the coating material. Compare to uncoated water pipes and pump, the new coating material endows pipes with a highly smooth surface. It could obviously decrease friction loss of pipes while enhancing pump efficiency. More importantly, it can avoid the formation of biofilm even after long-term test. Besides, ageing acceleration test indicates the coating could be stably operated for years. The application of new coating material would focus on safeguarding water distribution system, while simultaneously improving their efficiency with decreasing in cost, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission associated with water supply.