Functional polymer materials for modern marine biofouling control

Marine biofouling is a well-known massive problem: within the shortest time, ship hulls and other man-made submerged surfaces are inevitably populated by various marine organisms. causes severe economic environmental problems. Thus, effective control on of utmost importance. Since middle 20th century, scientists engineers have developed antifouling coatings mainly based continuous release toxic metal ions accompanying booster biocides to repel or kill organisms approaching surface. However, these caused serious harm non-target ocean. Therefore, development environmentally friendly alternative an urgent need, research in this field growing rapidly. This review includes concise basic theory from biology, chemistry, physics. It provides introduction into formation, as well physicochemical surface properties that can be manipulated achieve control. Furthermore, complete overview currently presented summarized. wettability, self-renewable coatings, containing agents, switchable biomimetic coatings.