Analysis of Self-Polishing Antifouling Paints Using Rotary Experiments and Mathematical Modeling

A detailed mathematical model for a self-polishing antifouling paint has been developed. The important rate-influencing steps, dissolution of pigment particles, hydrolysis and erosion of the active polymer binder, effective diffusion in the leached layer, and external mass transport of relevant species, were all included. The aims have been to produce a tool for estimating paint lifetimes at various seawater conditions and paint compositions, for possible product optimizations, and for supporting the development of novel and environmentally friendly antifouling paints. Experimental data for model verification, such as polishing rates and extent of pigment leaching, were obtained using a laboratory rotor. Simulations performed for different rotary speeds and temperatures matched experimental data for two of the three paints investigated. In the last case, the disagreement between model and experiment was explained by significant water swelling of the hydrolyzed polymer. The modeling tools developed are applicable to other types of self-polishing antifouling paints than the ones investigated here.