Mixed-charge copolymer as environmentally friendly low fouling marine coatings

Abstract

Self-polishing marine coatings made of mixed charged and other hydrophobic methacrylates are developed via free radical polymerization. By introducing the mixed-charge structure into the copolymer system, the marine coatings are able to resist bio-foulants. We observe that this mixed-charge structure on the copolymer is able to reduce non-specific protein adsorption from ELISA experiments. By varying the content of the copolymer, the coatings have different non-fouling properties and self-polishing rates in seawater.