Highly efficient antifouling property based on self-generating hydrogel layer of polyacrylamide coatings

ABSTRACT Pursuit of robust antifouling coatings is a persistent objective for marine materials. We present here the experimental realization of a series of polyacrylamide‐based resins with a self‐generating hydrogel layer, arising from the polymerization of acrylamide (AM), butyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, and AM derivatives. The mechanical strength and thermal stability are markedly enhanced due to the change of the structure of modified resins. The preliminary results indicate that resultant resins with crosslinking structure show satisfactory abrasion resistance and swelling properties. The results of antifouling panel testing in shallow submergence for three months reveal that the addition of AM derivatives leads to generation of a thin soft and dynamic layer of hydrogel, which enhances antifouling properties. The formation of hydrogel and self‐generating property make it promising in various antifouling applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44111.