Synthesis of fluorinated acrylate polymer and preparation and properties of antifouling coating

Fluorinated acrylate quadripolymer (QPFA), acrylate bipolymer (BPFA), and acrylate homopolymer (HPFA) were synthesized by free radical polymerization using different monomers. The three fluoropolymers (5%) were mixed respectively with acrylic varnish, and HPFA at different concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt%) was mixed with acrylic varnish. The polymer films were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, water absorption rates, and contact angle analyses; the coatings were characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy, mechanical analyses, water contact angles, water absorption rates, and biofouling analyses. Results indicate that the three coatings containing different fluoropolymers have comparable mechanical properties. The QPFA coating featured the lowest resistance to benthic diatom adhesion because of its low fluorine content. With increasing fluorine contents, the mechanical properties of the HPFA coatings decreased. However, the contact angles and resistance to adhesion increased. Though the HPFA particles lowered adhesion between the matrix and coating, they simultaneously generated rough surfaces.