Silyl Ester Polymer Coating for Antifouling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antifouling coatings for man-made structures immersed in water face challenges such as high toxicity from tri-organotin biocides, which are restricted by legislation, and inefficiencies in fouling control, particularly in self-polishing systems, necessitating alternative solutions that provide improved antifouling activity and reduced environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A stable, hydrolysable polymer comprising silyl ester groups and quaternary ammonium or phosphonium groups, neutralized by counter-ions, is developed, which forms the basis of a fouling control coating composition that offers enhanced antifouling performance by gradually dissolving in seawater, reducing toxicity, and maintaining coating integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tri-organotin biocides are used in antifouling coatings, then fouling control effectiveness is improved, but toxicity to the environment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefouling control effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing tri-organotin biocides with alternative biocidal substances having different chemical structures and properties, thereby maintaining antifouling effectiveness while reducing environmental toxicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs biocidal substances that are gradually consumed and released from the coating matrix, providing effective fouling control during the service life of the coating without requiring persistent high-toxicity materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If self-polishing polymer systems are used, then fouling control is improved, but coating stability and integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefouling controlVSAvoidcoating stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates hydrolytically unstable groups into the polymer structure during manufacturing, which gradually react with seawater to release biocidal agents and create a fouling-resistant surface, preparing the coating for progressive self-polishing action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite polymer system combining hydrolytically stable backbone structures with hydrolytically unstable side groups, achieving a balance between overall coating stability and controlled surface erosion for fouling control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If high pigment concentration is used in vinyl resin coatings, then biocide leaching is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiocide leachingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs polymer particles that serve multiple functions: they act as the coating binder, provide the matrix for biocide incorporation, and facilitate controlled biocide release through their porous structure and hydrolytic properties, eliminating the need for separate binder and pigment systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 polymer-based coating composition demonstrates superior antifouling activity, with reduced toxicity and improved adhesion, maintaining coating integrity and effectiveness over time, even in alternating wet and dry conditions, while reducing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

the side groups of a linear polymer unit are split off in a first step by reaction with seawater, the polymer framework that remains becoming water-soluble or water-dispersible as a result

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

The biocidal pigment is very gradually leached out of the matrix of rosin binder in use, leaving a skeletal matrix of rosin, which becomes washed off the hull surface to allow leaching of the biocidal pigment from deep within the paint film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLeaching: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

The biocidal pigment is very gradually leached out of the matrix of rosin binder in use, leaving a skeletal matrix of rosin, which becomes washed off the hull surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectErosion: Erosion

Data Source

PatentUS10273323B2Fouling control composition comprising a polymer comprising silyl ester functional groups and quaternary ammonium/phosphonium groups

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 AKZO NOBEL COATINGS INT BV

AI summary

The present invention relates to a polymer comprising (a1) silyl ester group(s) and (a2) quaternary ammonium group(s) and/or quaternary phosphonium group(s), said quaternary ammonium groups and/or quaternary phosphonium groups being neutralised by counter-ions, wherein the counter-ions consist of the conjugate base of an acid having an aliphatic, aromatic, or alkaryl hydrocarbyl group. The invention further relates to a fouling control coating composition comprising said polymer, a method of protecting a man-made structure immersed in water from fouling, and a substrate or structure coated with the fouling control coating composition.