Comparative Analysis of Underwater Protective Coatings in Seawater Environment

Marine biofouling presents a significant challenge to vessel performance by increasing hydrodynamic drag, fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the use of antifouling coatings is essential. This study investigates how environmental exposure and panel orientation influence the degradation and effectiveness of self-polishing antifouling coatings over time. Three commercially available coatings were selected and applied to aluminum panels prepared according to industry standards and manufacturers’ guidelines. The coated panels were positioned in vertical and horizontal orientations and exposed to two conditions: natural intertidal zones and laboratory tanks simulating seawater. Over three months, regular inspections were conducted to assess coating thickness, surface degradation and biofouling accumulation. The results showed that coating erosion and biofouling varied significantly with panel orientation and exposure type; vertical panels generally exhibited less degradation than horizontal ones and those placed in laboratory conditions. Samples exposed to the intertidal zone demonstrated greater variability in coating performance. These findings suggest that both environmental conditions and panel orientation play critical roles in the long-term durability and efficiency of self-polishing antifouling coatings, providing valuable insights for optimizing their application in the maritime industry.