Polysiloxane Copolymer Binder for Marine Antifouling Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine antifouling coatings face challenges such as the prohibition of tributyltin-based systems, rapid biocide diffusion in fouling release coatings, and the need for high vessel speeds to remove fouling, as well as limited commercial success due to issues with hydrolysis stability and complexity in manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A polysiloxane copolymer binder with hydrolysable ester units in its backbone, designed to hydrolyze in seawater, providing a renewable non-stick surface and allowing for the controlled release of biocides, if needed, while maintaining low surface tension and modulus of elasticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TBT-containing antifouling coatings are used, then excellent antifouling efficiency and smooth surfaces are achieved, but the coatings are prohibited due to environmental concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful TBT biocide from the coating system while retaining the self-polishing mechanism. The binder system uses hydrolysable groups that degrade to release biocides in a controlled manner, eliminating the need for prohibited TBT compounds while maintaining antifouling effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the binder system by using copolymers with hydrolysable pendant groups instead of TBT-containing polymers. This parameter change allows controlled hydrolysis in seawater to release biocides, achieving the same self-polishing effect without harmful substances
2Reliability
If self-polishing antifouling coatings with hydrolysable binders are used, then controlled release of biocides and surface renewal are achieved, but the binder requires complex composition and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite polymer systems combining different monomer units with specific hydrolysable groups. These composite materials provide the necessary controlled hydrolysis properties while maintaining manageable composition and manufacturing processes through careful selection of copolymer components
3Reliability
If polyanhydride binders are used to achieve backbone hydrolysis, then surface degradation and erosion are improved, but the anhydride group is extremely labile in moisture making controlled hydrolysis difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing hydrolysable groups specifically in the pendant positions of the copolymer rather than in the backbone. This localized approach allows controlled hydrolysis at the coating-water interface while maintaining backbone stability, avoiding the excessive lability problem of polyanhydrides
4Object-affected harmful factors
If fouling release coatings are used to provide non-stick surfaces, then marine organism adhesion is reduced, but high vessel speeds are required to remove fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a self-polishing mechanism that continuously renews the coating surface and releases biocides before fouling can establish. This preventive approach eliminates the need for high-speed mechanical removal of fouling by maintaining a fouling-resistant surface throughout the coating's service life
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The polysiloxane copolymer binder effectively prevents marine organisms from adhering to surfaces, offering a renewable and efficient antifouling solution that can operate without biocides, with improved stability and reduced manufacturing complexity compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A polysiloxane copolymer binder with hydrolysable ester units in its backbone, designed to hydrolyze in seawater
Data Source
AI summary
A binder for a marine coating composition comprising the reaction product of a polysiloxane unit A′ and at least one second monomer B′ that undergoes a polymerisation reaction with said polysiloxane unit A′ so as to form a copolymer of structure -[ABAB]- wherein the backbone of said copolymer comprises a plurality of hydrolysable ester functional groups that will hydrolyse in the presence of seawater.