Multi-strategy synergetic coating based on natural product resveratrol for marine antifouling

The attachment of fouling organisms seriously affects the long-term service of marine equipment. Due to the environmental hazards posed by toxic antifouling agents, various regulations have been enacted to restrict the use of these toxic agents making development of environmentally friendly marine antifouling coatings a high priority. This work uses a simple physical blending strategy to incorporate natural product resveratrol (RES), 3,5-dimethyl RES (DMR) and 4′-tert-butyldimethylsilyl RES (MTR) into polyurethane (PU) matrix materials with self-polishing and low surface energy functions, constructing a multi-mechanism synergistic antifouling system. These coatings endow the materials with antifouling properties under dynamic and static conditions through a triple-action mechanism. The prepared coatings have stable antifouling agent release ability and excellent self-cleaning ability, with maximum anti-algae and antibacterial rates of 97.99 % and 97.97 %, respectively. The antifouling coating has been tested and performed positive in a 150-day marine field test. This work would provide new possible considerations in development of environmentally friendly and sustainable marine antifouling coatings.