Fouling Release Coatings Based on Acrylate–MQ Silicone Copolymers Incorporated with Non-Reactive Phenylmethylsilicone Oil

Abstract

Copolymers containing MQ silicone and acrylate were synthesized by controlling the additive amount of compositions. Subsequently, fouling release coatings based on the copolymer with the incorporation of non-reactive phenylmethylsilicone oil were prepared. The surface properties of the coating (CAMQ40) were consistent with that of the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer, which ensured good hydrophobicity. Moreover, the seawater volume swelling rate of all prepared coatings was less than 5%, especially for CAMQ40 with only 1.37%. Copolymers enhanced the mechanical properties of the coatings, while the enhancement was proportional to the molar content of structural units from acrylate in the copolymer. More importantly, the adhesion performance between the prepared coatings and substrates indicated that pull-off strength values were more than 1.6 MPa, meaning a high adhesion strength. The phenylmethylsilicone oil leaching observation determined that the oil leaching efficiency increased with the increase in the structural unit’s molar content from MQ silicone in the copolymer, which was mainly owing to the decrease in compatibility between oil and the cured coating, as well as the decrease in mechanical properties. High oil leaching efficiency could make up for the decrease in the biofouling removal rate due to the enhancement of the elastic modulus. For CAMQ40, it had an excellent antifouling performance at 30 days of exposure time with more than 92% of biofouling removal rate, which was confirmed by biofilm adhesion assay.

Advanced bioinspired superhydrophobic marine antifouling coatings

“…It discusses the major strategies for combating surface fouling, including preventing biofoulants from attaching or degrading them, and the use of various techniques such as functionalization of surfaces with poly (ethylene glycol) or oligo (ethylene glycol), biocidal agents, polycations, enzymes, nanomaterials, and photoactive agents [69]. Various innovative technologies have been employed to improve these coatings, including the use of copolymers containing MQ silicone and acrylate [65,70], charcoal-based graphene oxide-copper oxide [71], and the incorporation of phenylmethyl silicone oil as a lubricant [72].…”

“…Overall, the introduction sets the context and motivation for the research presented in the paper and highlights the importance of developing new FR coatings based on innovative materials and formulations. The paper discusses the development of FR coatings based on copolymers containing MQ silicone and acrylate, and the preparation of FR paints based on these copolymers with the incorporation of non-reactive phenylmethylsilicone oil [70]. The coatings showed good hydrophobicity, mechanical properties, and adhesion strength, with high oil leaching efficiency and excellent antifouling performance.…”