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  • Recent Developments and Pra...
    Maan, Anna M. C.; Hofman, Anton H.; Vos, Wiebe M.; Kamperman, Marleen

    Advanced functional materials, 08/2020, Letnik: 30, Številka: 32
    Journal Article

    While nature has optimized its antifouling strategies over millions of years, synthetic antifouling coatings have not yet reached technological maturity. For an antifouling coating to become technically feasible, it should fulfill many requirements: high effectiveness, long‐term stability, durability, ecofriendliness, large‐scale applicability, and more. It is therefore not surprising that the search for the perfect antifouling coating has been going on for decades. With the discovery of metal‐based antifouling paints in the 1970s, fouling was thought to be a problem of the past, yet its untargeted toxicity led to serious ecological concern, and its use became prohibited. As a response, research shifted focus toward a biocompatible alternative: polymer‐based antifouling coatings. This has resulted in numerous advanced and innovative antifouling strategies, including fouling‐resistant, fouling‐release, and fouling‐degrading coatings. Here, these novel and exciting discoveries are highlighted while simultaneously assessing their antifouling performance and practical feasibility. Unwanted adhesion of material remains a widespread obstacle, causing problems in medical, marine, and industrial applications. Antifouling coatings are perhaps the most promising method for fouling control. In this work, novel antifouling coatings and strategies are highlighted, including a discussion of the hidden complexity of the coatings' stability, durability, and applicability.