Amphiphilic\nMarine Antifouling Coatings Based on Zwitterion-Modified\nSilicone Polymers

Silicone coatings are widely employed in marine antifouling\napplications\ndue to their low surface energy. However, in static marine environments,\npure silicone coatings are ineffective in preventing the adhesion\nof marine biofilms, which consist of proteins, marine bacteria, and\nextracellular matrices, ultimately promoting the attachment of macrofouling\norganisms. To address the limitations in antifouling performance under\nstatic conditions, this study introduces a silicone-based antifouling\ncoating modified with zwitterionic polymers. Sulfobetaine (SB) zwitterionic\nsegments were grafted onto the side chains of poly(dimethylsiloxane)\n(PDMS) to synthesize the amphiphilic polymer P(DMS-SB), which was\nincorporated into the PDMS network to create an interpenetrating network-structured\nsilicone coating. The zwitterionic segments effectively inhibited\nthe adhesion of proteins, bacteria, and algae through hydration effects.\nCompared to pure PDMS coatings, the adhesion of proteins, bacteria,\nand algae was reduced by 88%, 98.9%, and 99.3%, respectively. Additionally,\nthe coating demonstrated excellent fouling-release properties, achieving\na 91.3% removal rate for settled algae under water flow conditions\nand reducing the simulated barnacle adhesion strength by 68.4%. This\ncoating presents a promising antifouling solution for ships, offshore\nstructures, and aquaculture facilities in static marine environments\nwith significant potential for widespread application.