This invention discloses a method for preparing cuprous
oxide and multibranched
polymer composite microcapsules. First, a
prepolymer containing hydrophilic
copper-complexing dimethylamino groups with
epoxy end groups is synthesized using free radical
living polymerization. Then, this
prepolymer is condensed with
polyamine molecules to prepare a multibranched block
polymer, which is used as an additive in marine antifouling coatings. This additive
polymer is blended with cuprous
oxide nanoparticles, and based on the charge transfer effect between
tertiary amines and
copper, a composite microcapsule structure is formed, achieving encapsulation of
copper antifouling agents. The advantages include effective control of copper antifouling agent release, while its multibranched structure increases the interaction force of the
coating matrix resin, prolongs its
residence time at the
coating interface, and enhances the antifouling effect of the
coating.