Application of functional polymer materials for marine anti-fouling

Abstract

Marine organisms adsorb and grow on the surface of underwater facilities. This process, known as fouling, has a detrimental impact on marine shipping and development. Currently, in order to prevent marine biofouling, the most efficient and economical method is the application of antifouling coatings that synthesized by a diverse of different functional polymer materials. For this reason, this research will introduce the progress in five types of functional polymer materials, which are polymers with catechol groups, polysulfide-based polymers, polymer quaternary ammonium salts, hydrogels and silicone resin. Due to different functional groups properties as well as mechanisms of action, they have their own advantages in the application of antifouling coatings. Meanwhile, the future trend of antifouling coatings development and their application in real sea environment are prospected.