Polymers for anti-fouling applications: a review

Abstract

Marine fouling is the buildup of unwanted organisms on submerged surfaces, and it creates major challenges for industries such as shipping, aquaculture, and marine infrastructure. Traditional anti-fouling coatings often rely on toxic biocides, which raise many environmental and regulatory concerns. To address this, researchers have been exploring polymer-based materials as a more sustainable alternative. This review examines their effectiveness through a series of laboratory and real-world tests, including static immersion and dynamic exposure trials in marine environments. The findings show that polymer-based coatings significantly reduce bio-fouling by preventing the attachment of marine organisms, leading to lower maintenance costs and improved efficiency for vessels and marine structures. While synthetic polymers are not highly biodegradable, this can actually be an advantage in maintaining long-term anti-fouling performance. Looking ahead, future research should focus on enhancing the eco-friendliness of these materials by incorporating biodegradable or bioinspired polymers, optimizing surface properties, and developing multifunctional coatings. By providing a viable alternative to toxic biocides, polymer-based anti-fouling materials offer a promising step toward cleaner, more sustainable oceans.