A fracture mechanical analysis of fouling release from nontoxic antifouling coatings

Abstract

The successor to toxic antifouling coatings has been pursued for many years. Attempts to create perfectly nonfouling surfaces from polymers containing fluorine and silicone have been made, but marine fouling adheres to all surfaces yet investigated. The focus of our efforts has shifted from the coating surface to the joint between a fouling organism and a coating. We are studying methods to facilitate the fracture of this joint by controlling the chemical and mechanical properties of the polymer. This paper focuses on the fracture mechanics of the joint between a fouling organism and a coating surface, and shows that fluoropolymer and silicone coatings use significantly different mechanisms to release fouling. The paper concludes with a discussion of approaches to the design of successful fluoropolymer or silicone nontoxic antifouling coatings based on their preferred fracture modes.