Dual-Mode Antifouling Ability of Thiol–Ene Amphiphilic Conetworks: Minimally Adhesive Coatings via the Surface Zwitterionization

Abstract

A series of antibiofouling amphiphilic conetwork (APCN) coatings combined with zwitterionic features are engineered by surface zwitterionization of spontaneously segregated poly­(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) segments, where this dual-mode surface integration of both passive and active modes improves the entire antifouling efficiency against the adsorption of proteins and a widespread marine fouling organism (Phaeodactylum tricornutum). A clear difference in surface morphology and topography before and after surface zwitterionization is ascribed to the transformation of PDMAEMA to carboxlbetaine zwitterion, which promotes the phase segregation and simultaneously accelerates the migration of hydrophilic segments toward the surface. The surface morphology evolved with hydrophilic content, and the variation trend of surface roughness before and after surface zwitterionization is exactly opposite under different hydrophilic content. With regard to structure–antibiofouling relationships, the zwitterionic surface with heterogeneous morphology as well as higher zwitterion content exhibits superior antibiofouling efficiency. This design provides a novel methodology for the development of heterogeneous and zwitterionic antibiofouling conetwork, which will not only act as a breakthrough for the design and synthesis of next generation of efficient and eco-friendly antibiofouling coating but also expand the synthesis method of APCN so as to explore its application fields.

Amphiphilic Polymer Platforms: Surface Engineering of Films for Marine Antibiofouling

“…A new emerging trend should aim at integrating multiple functionalities in one amphiphilic polymer platform that are each tailored to operate via a specific mechanism and to accomplish a particular task to impact in a synergistic dual‐mode, i.e. active and passive, action on the secreted bioadhesive and the sensing size range of the colonising organisms . Definitely, a more thorough knowledge of the necessary requirements to comprehend and control the intertwined surface features of amphiphilic polymers will aid the development of future guiding principles and design rules that can be used broadly for achieving breakthroughs in marine antibiofouling application.…”

“…active and passive, action on the secreted bioadhesive and the sensing size range of the colonising organisms. [166] Definitely, a more thorough knowledge of the necessary requirements to comprehend and control the intertwined surface features of amphiphilic polymers will aid the development of future guiding principles and design rules that can be used broadly for achieving breakthroughs in marine antibiofouling application. This will also help in solving global environmental problems caused by older chemical technologies.…”

A Super‐Amphiphilic 3D Silicone Sponge with High Porosity for the Efficient Adsorption of Various Pollutants

“…Super‐amphiphilic (the contact angles for water and oil both approach 0°) materials have aroused great interest during the past few decades [ 9 ] due to their importance in practical applications, and they can act as reusable heterogeneous catalytic system scaffolds, [ 10 ] perfect absorbent for emulsified wastewater, [ 11 ] antifogging and self‐cleaning oxide films, [ 12 ] and sensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells. [ 13 ] Silicone sponge possesses 3D porous organic network structure, which are nontoxic, highly flexible, stable, insulated, and chemically inert, [ 14–19 ] and many silicone sponges with excellent performance have been developed by various techniques in recent years.…”

Preparation of fluorine-free superhydrophobic and wear-resistant cotton fabric with a UV curing reaction for self-cleaning and oil/water separation

“…1f that two peaks were added (-COO, 286.68 eV and C-N, 282.92 eV), which indicated that the reaction of thiol with a double bond was successful, and that of isocyanate and polyol was successful. 31,32 3.2 Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)…”