Preparation and Performance of Efficient Antifouling Coatings with Superhydrophilic Synergistic Piezoelectric Catalysis

To develop environmentally friendly and high efficiency marine antifouling coatings, antifouling coating with superhydrophilic synergistic piezoelectric catalysis (E-H-BC) was prepared by the modification of high-strength and weather-resistant epoxy resin (E44) with polyether-modified siloxanes (BY-9350) and aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH550), and then the addition of barium titanate and copper fillers. The superhydrophilic layer on the coating surface was formed due to phase separation to resist the adhesion of fouling organisms, and at the same time, the coating can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the piezoelectric effect under the wave action of seawater to kill the fouling organisms attached to it. The measurement of water contact angle verified that the coating possessed superhydrophilic properties. The measurement of output voltage and PFM showed that the coating possessed excellent piezoelectric properties. The intracellular and extracellular test results also confirmed that the coating could produce ROS by piezoelectric catalysis, and the antibacterial and algae inhibition experiments showed good antifouling efficiency of the coating. Antifouling test in marine environment showed that the coating has an excellent anti-fouling effect within 45 days. This work provides a feasible solution for the development of efficient antifouling coatings.