A series of isocyanate pre-polymer compositions modified with poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) and poly(dimethyl) siloxane (PDMS) were synthesized and utilized to prepare siloxane-polyurethane fouling release (FR) coatings. The pre-polymer composition was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and isocyanate titrations. Attenuated Total Reflectance FTIR (ATR-FTIR) and contact angle measurements suggest that both siloxane and PEG are pre-dominant on the surface after water aging, which indicates that the coating surfaces have an amphiphilic character. Several of the coating compositions displayed excellent fouling release performance against a broad spectrum of representative marine organisms during laboratory biological assays with similar performance to leading commercial FR coatings. Using PEG and PDMS modified isocyanate pre-polymers considerably improved the fouling release performance of the coating system towards bacteria (Cellulophaga lytica), diatoms (Navicula incerta) and green algae (Ulva linza). Therefore PEG-modified amphiphilic siloxane polyurethane coatings are a viable approach towards a non-toxic tough fouling release solution.

Poly(ethylene) glycol modified amphiphilic siloxane polyurethane coatings and their performance as effective fouling release surfaces

251st National Meeting (2016)

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