Composite for controlled release of small molecules in aquatic environments
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsBrian Melde, Michael A. Markowitz
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Abstract
A composite material formulated for slow release of a small molecule in seawater includes a porous inorganic oxide framework and micelles embedded within the pores of the framework. The micelles include a surfactant and a small molecule, the surfactant being present in the composite material at no more than 80 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight inorganic oxide, the composite material being stable in seawater for releasing the small molecule over at least 20 days.
Claims23
A composite material formulated for slow release of a small organic molecule in seawater comprising:
- a porous inorganic oxide framework comprising silica;
- micelles embedded within the pores of the framework, the micelles comprising a surfactant and a small organic molecule, the surfactant being present in the composite at no more than 80 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight inorganic oxide, the composite material being stable in seawater for releasing the small molecule over at least 20 days,
- wherein a ratio of moles of silica derived from bis(trimethoxysilylethyl)benzene:moles of silica derived from tetramethyl orthosilicate in the silica framework is at least 30:70,
- wherein the small organic molecule has a molecular weight of less than 1000, and
- wherein the small organic molecule comprises an anti-foulant composition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.