Prof. Dr. Levent ÇAVAŞ
He has served as the principal investigator for 9 TÜBİTAK projects and 2 European Union projects, and he is currently a Core Group member and Grant Awarding Coordinator of the COST Action E-NICHE.
Levent Çavaş is also a member of the Scientific Committee of the World Underwater Federation (CMAS). He has published 105 international articles, which have received 3,158 citations. He is currently a faculty member at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylül University.
Wednesday 17th Dec
New Generation Eco-Friendly Antifouling Paints and Biocides
New environmentally friendly antifouling paints are being developed that eliminate the need for toxic biocides. These coatings generally function as barrier layers with ultra-smooth, water-repellent (hydrophobic) surfaces, which make it difficult for marine organisms to attach. Any temporary fouling is typically washed away by water flow or can be easily cleaned, minimizing environmental impact. Ongoing research is exploring the use of natural compounds—such as those derived from Caulerpa prolifera and Zostera noltei—as antifouling agents. These natural substances can be incorporated into paint formulations and applied over anticorrosive layers, providing both antifouling and corrosion protection. However, further studies are needed to confirm their biodegradability and ensure they are safe for non-target marine life.