Optimization of antifouling coatings incorporating butenolide, a potent antifouling agent via field and laboratory tests

Rosin-based antifouling paint with the incorporation of butenolide, a promising antifoulant, possesses the potential to deter the settlement of marine organisms on submerged surfaces. With the purpose to extend the antifouling duration, this research investigated the respective contribution of paint ingredients, including butenolide concentrations (5%, 10% and 15%), pigment choices (TiO2, Fe2O3, Cu2O and ZnO) and binder compositions (acrylic copolymer to rosin at 1: 2.5, 1.5: 2 and 2.5: 1), to the field antifouling performance of butenolide. A raft trial was carried out at Yung Shue 0, Hong Kong after the application of antifouling paints on PVC panels. Biofouling dynamics on panel surfaces, such as coverage percentage and biomass accumulation, were monitored until submersion for 6 months to allow for the assessment of antifouling efficiency. Field results showed that butenolide incorporation generally inhibited the settlement of fouling species on the coated panels as demonstrated by the decreased surface coverage and biomass weight. Coatings with 1: 2.5 paints containing 10% butenolide exhibited the best antifouling performance with only 34% of the surface covered by fouling organisms, which mainly consisted of algae and slime. The smallest biomass increase of the fouling community was also observed for 1: 2.5 coatings. An increased proportion of rosin in binder compositions yielded better antifouling performance following the order of 1: 2.5 > 1.5: 2 > 2.5: 1. Laboratory experiments were also conducted to examine the behavior of paint coatings in stirring artificial seawater. Butenolide addition decreased the film hardness and inhibited water uptake, but resulted in weight loss of paint coatings. Along with the gradual release of butenolide, the hardness of paint films increased gradually. Overall, a service life of 6 months, while eliminating the use of heavy metals, highlights the effectiveness of butenolide-incorporated paint formulation, especially 1: 2.5 paint, as an environmentally benign and fouling-resistant candidate for future antifouling application.