Integration of antifouling properties into epoxy coatings: a review

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. This 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.

Automated summary

Epoxy resin is a versatile material that has been used to develop non-toxic antifouling coatings by integrating anticorrosion and adhesive functions to tackle biofouling issues. Materials such as nanomaterials, siloxanes, and conducting polymers can help epoxy resin achieve antifouling properties, with significant potential for future development.