Bioactive materials for antifouling coatings

Marine fouling is the result of the settling and subsequent growth of marine organisms on surfaces immersed in seawater. The most successful principle in use today for the protection of ship's hulls against this unwanted growth is the release of bioactive materials from antifouling coatings.

Antifouling coatings containing a mixture of cuprous oxide and triorganotin compounds in combination with sophisticated release mechanisms are considered to be today's most efficient systems. However, ever since the first biologically active materials were introduced into antifouling coatings, a search for alternatives has been continuing. Until the mid-1970s this research mainly involved the development of biocides which could simply prolong existing drydocking intervals, i.e. prolong the period in which the ship was fouling free. During the last decade, however, environmental aspects have become a top priority in the development of new biocides for antifouling coatings.