Advanced strategies for marine antifouling based on nanomaterial-enhanced functional PDMS coatings

Marine biofouling seriously affects human marine exploitation and transportation activities, to which marine antifouling (AF) coatings are considered to be the most cost-effective solution. Since the mid-20th century, human beings have dedicated their efforts on developing AF coatings with long cycle and high performance, leading to a large number of non-target organisms' distortion, death and marine environmental pollution. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), is considered as one of the representative environment-friendly AF materials thanks to its non-toxic, hydrophobic, low surface energy and AF properties. However, PDMS AF coatings are prone to mechanical damage, weak adhesion strength to substrate, and poor static AF effect, which seriously restrict their use in the ocean. The rapid development of various nanomaterials provides an opportunity to enhance and improve the mechanical properties and antifouling properties of PDMS coating by embedding nanomaterials. Based on our research background and the problems faced in our laboratory, this article presents an overview of the current progress in the fields of PDMS composite coatings enhanced by different nanomaterials, with the discussion focused on the advantages and main bottlenecks currently encountered in this field. Finally, we propose an outlook, hoping to provide fundamental guidance for the development of marine AF field.