Review: Antifouling properties of epoxy coatings
A recently published review discusses various types of epoxy-based antifouling coatings as cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution to biofouling.
The need for nontoxic antifouling coatings has encouraged material scientists to develop a class of organic coatings for diverse applications. As a versatile thermosetting resin and well known for coating application, antifouling characteristics have been integrated into epoxy along with anticorrosion and adhesive functions. Accordingly, both micro- and macro-biofoulings have been successfully controlled by using epoxy-based antifouling coatings.
Epoxy nanocomposites, silicon-grafted epoxy, epoxy-aided conductive polymer blends, and nanocomposites are important antifouling epoxy variants far and wide examined in developing epoxy-based coatings. Besides, some purpose-specific multifunctional smart coatings based on epoxy with antifouling features are used to integrate several functions into one material.
Enormous potential of antifouling epoxy coatings
The newly published review discusses various types of epoxy-based antifouling coatings. The ability of nanomaterials, siloxanes, and conducting polymers to induce antifouling activity into the epoxy and corresponding antifouling mechanisms is also covered. The review concludes with the enormous potential of antifouling epoxy coatings as cost-effective, environmentally sustainable solution to biofouling in diverse industrial applications. Finally, the future ahead of antifouling epoxy coating is patterned.
The study has been published in Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 19, 2022.
