Many hard foulers, such as barnacles, utilize oxidative processes to prime surfaces before depositing adhesives. Redox-active groups like nitroxides have been effective in interrupting these oxidative processes and reducing hard-fouler settlement. In this study, a set of films was produced utilizing amphiphilic block copolymers dispersed in a cross-linked poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) network. These block copolymers contained polymethacrylates of (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and PDMS in selected ratios and molecular weights. A complimentary set also included a fluoroalkyl end block, and another set with the amine precursor of TEMPO predicted to serve as a two-step redox disruptor. These blended PDMS coatings were analyzed for surface composition, morphology, as well as anti-fouling and fouling-release behavior against soft and hard foulers. A complete summary of the surface properties and fouling resistance will be described.

Redox-active amphiphilic copolymers for anti-fouling coatings

ACS Spring 2022

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