Abstract:
The issue of marine biofouling presents a considerable obstacle to the marine
sector and carries adverse ecological consequences. The marine ecosystem has
been negatively impacted by toxic antifouling coatings, leading to a worldwide
prohibition. As a result, there is an urgent demand for the creation of antifouling
coatings that are both environmentally sustainable and effective. In recent years,
there has been significant interest in antifouling coatings that draw inspiration from
corals, as a potential alternative solution. Corals possess inherent antifouling
properties that have enabled them to flourish in the marine ecosystem, rendering
them a potential source of inspiration for novel antifouling coatings. The present
study assesses the efficacy of antifouling coatings derived from corals, which are
known for their innate ability to resist fouling in the marine ecosystem, in
preventing biofouling on aluminium substrates. The study utilises experimental
techniques to evaluate the antifouling efficacy of coatings derived from coral. The
methods employed include surface characterization, assays to assess the
settlement of fouling organisms, and an analysis of the durability of the coatings
over an extended period. The present study's results enhance comprehension of
the viability of coral-derived antifouling coatings as a sustainable approach to
counteracting marine biofouling on aluminium surfaces. Additionally, the findings
offer valuable perspectives for the creation of ecologically sound antifouling
coatings in the marine sector.
