Cu@C core-shell nanoparticles modified polydimethylsiloxane -based coatings with improved static antifouling performance

PDMS-based fouling release coatings have promising applications in the fields of marine fouling control. However, development of silicone-based coatings with good antifouling / fouling-release property under relative static conditions remains challenging. In this work, a new PDMS-based nanocomposite coating consisting of PDMS matrix and nanofiller of copper@carbon core-shell nanoparticles was developed. Uniformly dispersed Cu@C core-shell in the PDMS matrix enhance the antifouling ability. The PDMS with low surface energy endows the composite coatings with hydrophobicity thus fouling release property. The introduction of Cu@C core-shell/PDMS improves both the Young's modulus, tensile strength and the elongation at break. Furthermore, laboratory bioassay against diatom adhesion and field tests indicated that the PDMS-based nanocomposite coatings with Cu@C core-shell exhibited outstanding antifouling / fouling-release property even under static conditions, showing promising application in marine antifouling.