Degradable polyurethane based on star-shaped polyester polyols (trimethylolpropane and ɛ-caprolactone) for marine antifouling

The star-shaped polyester polyols based on initiators (trimethylolpropane or pentaerythritol) and ɛ-caprolactone were prepared by polycondensation reaction. The degradable polyurethane (PU) films were prepared by mixing star-shaped polyester polyols and crosslinker agent (hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer). The hydrolytic degradation and water absorption experiments demonstrated that the PU films could erode in artificial sea water, which were controlled by varying the ratios of ɛ-caprolactone/trimethylolpropane and the arm number of star-shaped polyester polyols. The mechanical properties of PU films and coatings increased with decreasing the ratios of ɛ-caprolactone/trimethylolpropane and increasing the arm number of star-shaped polyester polyols. The surfaces of PU films and coatings kept eroding, which were revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The copper ion release rates from PU coatings reached steady state at about 31 days. The marine field tests of PU coatings demonstrated that the degradable PU coatings based on star-shaped polyester polyols were effective coatings for marine antifouling.