Comparative Investigation of AquaSun Eco-Friendly Antifouling Coating via Rheological and Mechanical Characterization

Abstract

Rheological and mechanical comparative tests of the new AquaSun antifouling sol–gel coating coated on shipbuilding steel compared to a commercial silyl acrylate antifouling top coat containing cuprous oxide and copper pyrithione show further evidence of the practical viability of this multifunctional coating for the protection of the immersed surfaces from biofouling. AquaSun is a less rigid or less viscous material than commercial top coat but more adherent to the steel substrate. These results support further investigation of this multifunctional sol–gel coating as an eco-friendly antifouling paint.