Polymeric material for anti-biofouling

Copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acrylate terminated poly(ethylene oxide-co-ethylene carbonate) (PEOC) macromonomer yields graft copolymer with PEOC side chains. By use of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), we have investigated the adsorption of proteins on the surface constructed by the copolymer in seawater. It shows the polymeric surface exhibits protein resistance depending on the content of the side chains. Marine field tests show the protein resistant surface can effectively inhibit marine biofouling for more than 12 weeks.

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► Anti-biofouling surface is constructed by polymer with protein resistance and degradation.
► A long term anti-biofouling of polymeric materials is examined by marine field tests.
► The relation between protein adsorption and biofouling is discussed.
► Protein resistance and degradation should be considered for designing for marine anti-biofouling materials.