An overview of controlled-biocide-release coating based on polymer resin for marine antifouling applications

Biofouling is one of the major worldwide problems associated with the vessel due to its accumulation with the surface of the ship hull. The biofouling is the main origin of the coating’s deterioration that ultimately leads to bio-corrosion, roughness and drag, resulting in an enormous increase in the fuel consumption. Although Tributyltin (TBT) has been used as a pioneer class of antifoulant to overcome this problem, however, after the legal restriction on TBT, some biocides have been used as its alternatives. These biocides are potentially harmful to the environment due to the higher release rate in the aquatic environment. This review paper focuses on the progress made in eco-friendly antifouling coating techniques, using control biocide release principal for marine application. The three main strategies, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and biodegradable antifouling coating, are reviewed. Biodegradable antifouling coating is a new promising route based on the combination of eco-friendly biocide with dynamic surfaces by utilizing degradable polyurethane, polyester acrylate, and modified polyester based polymers. They are used as a carrier of antifoulant, which control the release rate and also show excellent antifouling activity in the marine coatings due to tunability, sustainability, and mechanical performance, therefore, they have a longer shelf period. Moreover, this review focuses on the challenges associated with vessel surface coating and their possible solutions. Graphical abstract