Marine coatings: a systematic study on structure-property relationship of potential covalently immobilized biocides

In compliance with the global aim to provide eco-friendly antifouling coatings, potential antifouling agents with ability to be covalently immobilised in a polymeric matrix were identified in this study. The ultimate goal is to combine this innovative approach with the most recent paints foul-release concept, in order to offer a potential non-releasing marine antifouling system. A list of selected antifouling agents, based on criteria such as: mechanism to inhibit fouling, antifouling potency, feasibility to be immobilised, stability and compliance with the EU Biocidal Products Directives (BPD) is provided. Preliminary tests on a polyurethane based system were performed in order to prove the concept of covalent linkage approach. These tests revealed that agents possessing amines and hydroxyl groups are promising candidates for immobilisation. The immobilisation of Irgarol is given as an example of this approach in the polyurethane-based system.