October 30, 2024 – Revolutionary Solvent-Free Anti-Fouling Coating Developed by Sichuan University Team
Anti-fouling coatings are emerging as “star products” in the market due to their exceptional hydrophobic, self-cleaning, and anti-graffiti properties. However, traditional solvent-based anti-fouling coatings have limited large-scale applications due to their cumbersome curing process and environmental pollution. A recent study by Professor Fan Haojun’s team at Sichuan University may change this situation.
The team has successfully developed a solvent-free polyurethane (SFPU) anti-fouling coating that is not only environmentally friendly but also exhibits superior performance. The coating uses polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the hydrophobic component, combined with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) as crosslinking agents, and SFPU as the anti-hydrophobic component. This formulation allows the coating to set within 24 hours at room temperature without any curing equipment, significantly simplifying the application process.
According to the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, the novel anti-fouling coating features a dense crosslinked network enriched with PDMS chains on its surface. Consequently, the coating exhibits high contact angles for both water (contact angle of 99.3±1.5°) and diiodomethane (contact angle of 69.5±0.9°), indicating excellent anti-fouling capabilities. Experiments have shown that even when written on with an oil-based marker, the ink can be easily wiped off without leaving any traces.
This research breakthrough not only brings new innovations to the field of anti-fouling coatings but also lays a solid foundation for their widespread applications in industrial and daily life settings. This convenient, low-energy, and environmentally friendly anti-fouling coating is expected to shine in various sectors in the future.