Zwitterionic stabilized water-borne polymer colloids for antifouling coatings

This study presents antifouling waterborne (meth)acrylic coatings prepared through seeded semi-continuous emulsion polymerization, using trace amounts of a zwitterionic monomer 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (DMAPS). DMAPS was introduced with a dual purpose, to establish a protective layer of DMAPS containing polymer chains on the films’ surface, thereby imparting antifouling characteristics, while simultaneously provides in-situ colloidal stability to the emulsion during polymerization.
By providing colloidal stability to (meth)acrylic polymer particles in aqueous dispersion (latex), DMAPS-rich units are distributed on the surface of the polymer particles and subsequently on the surface of the resulting polymer films. Subsequent analysis revealed that the films exhibited diminished hydrophilicity, a more textured surface, and diminished affinity for water entrapment compared to conventionally stabilized (meth)acrylic films. Such surfaces demonstrated high resistance to fouling and weak adhesion of the studied BSA protein. These effects were positively influenced by the quantity of DMAPS incorporated within the (meth)acrylic films that allow higher coverage with DMAPS rich polymer chains.
The proposed methodology not only emphasizes a potent pathway for the development of environmentally-conscious, waterborne film-forming coating technology but also involves the simultaneous integration of a zwitterionic surface layer, conveying remarkable antifouling attributes to the resulting (meth)acrylic coating film.
Publication year: 2024
Authors: Murali S. 1, Agirre A. 1, Arrizabalaga J. 1, Rafaniello I. 1, Schäfer T. 1, 2, Tomovska R. 1, 2
Affiliations:
1. POLYMAT, Kimika Aplikatua saila, Kimika Fakultatea, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta zentroa, Donostia, Spain

2. IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbo, Spain

Published in: Reactive and Functional Polymers, 2024, Vol. 196, p. 105843
DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2024.105843

MP-SPR KEYWORDS

210A VASA antifouling MP-SPR - QCM comparison SPR mass calculation Surface Protein interaction

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