The biofouling resistant properties of six transparent polymers with and without pre-treatment by two antimicrobial solutions

Six bulk polymers potentially suitable for use as optical ports of underwater instruments were exposed to a solution of marine bacteria after soaking in distilled water or surfactant solutions. The effect of the surfactant solutions was to reduce fouling build-up on four of the six polymers. The presence of the surfactant altered the surface energy of the polymers. The surfactant reduced the importance of physical characteristics, such as surface roughness, on fouling build-up. It was found that untreated polyethylene terephthalate out-performed polymethyl methacrylate, over short time periods. This result was repeated when these polymers were tested on optical underwater instruments exposed to a marine environment.