We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Transitioning towards environmentally benign marine antifouling coatings
Summary
A review of sustainable marine antifouling coatings examines technical challenges, market barriers, and incentives for environmentally benign alternatives to biocide-based systems, advocating for multi-stakeholder collaboration among scientists, engineers, industry, and regulators to develop viable solutions.
Marine biofouling has been an issue since antiquity whose solutions have a history of negative environmental impact. The development of environmentally sustainable solutions is paramount as society is becoming more conscious of anthropogenic impacts on the global ecosystem, particularly the global oceans. Herein we include a brief overview of common strategies in the development of sustainable marine antifouling coatings in terms of their efficacy, durability, and environmental impact. We discuss technical challenges to the development of sustainable antifouling coatings; barriers and incentives to their market uptake; and advocate the necessity of multi-stakeholder collaboration, including scientists, engineers, industry groups, and regulators, toward the development of marketable and sustainable antifouling coating solutions.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Effects of antifouling technology application on Marine ecological environment
This review examines the development and environmental impacts of marine antifouling technologies, finding that uncontrolled use poses irreversible risks to the marine biosphere and calling for comprehensive biofouling prevention strategies with lower ecological toxicity.
Dynamic Surface Antifouling Materials
This study proposes dynamic surface antifouling materials that continuously change their surface properties to prevent marine organisms from colonizing underwater structures. This approach could reduce the need for toxic chemical antifouling coatings on ships and marine infrastructure.
Degradable Vinyl Polymers for Combating Marine Biofouling
Researchers developed degradable vinyl polymers designed to combat marine biofouling, creating antifouling coatings that break down in seawater to reduce long-term microplastic accumulation while effectively preventing barnacle and algal attachment.
Experimental Assessment of the Performance of Two Marine Coatings to Curb Biofilm Formation of Microfoulers
Researchers experimentally tested two marine antifouling coatings to see how well they prevented biofilm (microbial slime) from forming on submerged surfaces. The study provides data relevant to reducing biofouling on ships and marine structures, which can affect vessel performance and the spread of invasive species.
Inside Back Cover
This journal back cover describes a dynamic surface antifouling material that prevents marine organisms from attaching by continuously renewing its surface through polymer degradation. The degradation process produces small, harmless molecules rather than microplastics, making the material more environmentally friendly than conventional antifouling coatings.