Anti-Fouling Nano-Hybrid/Composite Smart Coatings with Specific Reference to Marine Applications

Nano-hybrid/composite smart coatings are ground-breaking coatings with built-in stimuli-responsive systems that enable spontaneous reaction. Anticorrosion studies and applications have advanced by virtue of the functionality of these classes of coatings at the metal-solution interface provided in adverse environments. For the purpose of preventing fouling in the maritime environment, various methods have been employed. In this regard, nano-hybrid/composite coatings, on the other hand, are a cutting-edge development in antifouling coatings that have the advantages of toxicant-free chemical composition and simplicity of large-scale applications. Nanomaterials with antibacterial and antifouling capabilities in polymer coatings include nano-metals, nano-metal oxides, metal-organic frameworks, carbon-based nanostructures and nanoclays. Additionally, these nanoparticles can enhance corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, weathering stability, and heat resistance of the polymer coatings. The different types of antifouling nano-hybrid/composite coatings are introduced in this chapter, along with antifouling mechanisms.