Erosion study of poly(trialkylsilyl methacrylate)-based antifouling coatings

Several random copolymers containing methyl methacrylate and trialkylsilyl methacrylate monomer units were synthesized as hydrolysable polymer matrixes for long-term controlled erodible coatings. Results demonstrated that the erosion rate of the random copolymers was affected by both the polarity and the steric hindrance of the alkyl groups linked to the silicon atom. In addition, the molar proportion of the hydrolysable silylated monomer units and the molecular weight of the macromolecular chains are also key parameters in the erosion rate of the polymer matrixes. Antifouling paints derived from the random copolymers were prepared and compared with commercial ones in terms of both erosion and biocides release patterns.