Researchers Created Degradable Marine Antifouling Coating
The AxHy coating utilizes chemical crosslinking to restrict biocide leaching into marine environments.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Chemistry
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In 2026, researchers introduced AxHy, a crosslinked marine antifouling coating that integrates passive defense with controlled biocide release. This research-stage material manages surface degradation through the hydrolytic cleavage of ester bonds.
Why it matters
The coating addresses the uncontrolled leaching and ecological impact inherent in conventional, physically doped marine coatings. By binding active biocides within a structured polymer, the technology significantly reduces chemical runoff into ocean ecosystems.
AxHy achieves a cumulative biocide release rate just 1/20th of that observed in standard doped coatings. This performance relies on the hydrolytic cleavage of ester bonds within the polycaprolactone component, with degradation rates tuned by the branching degree of the polymer.
The details
AxHy chemically crosslinks hyperbranched polycaprolactone—a biodegradable polyester—with an isothiazolinone-functionalised hyperbranched amphiphilic polymer. Amphiphilic polymers possess both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties, which help create a surface unfavorable for biofouling organisms. The surface structure degrades via hydrolytic cleavage—a chemical reaction where water breaks down ester bonds—ensuring that biocides are released in a controlled, passive manner rather than leaching uncontrollably.
Timeline
2026: The research was published in Progress in Organic Coatings.
The Tech Race
This development sits within the broader effort to move away from toxic, persistent marine paints toward degradable, controlled-release alternatives. It marks a departure from standard doping techniques by embedding active compounds directly into the polymer architecture.
This material is currently in the research stage and has not yet been commercialized for vessel or infrastructure application. When deployed, it will primarily impact maritime industries and environmental managers seeking to comply with stricter regulations on chemical leaching.
The takeaway
The AxHy coating demonstrates that chemical crosslinking can maintain surface protection while keeping biocide levels drastically lower than current industry standards. Researchers and maritime engineers should monitor future pilot-scale studies for data on the durability of these coatings under real-world ocean conditions.
Further reading
Explore more developments in the Chemistry section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by European Coatings.
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