Field Tests in the Black Sea of Promising Contact-Type Antifouling Coatings with Anticorrosion Properties

One of the most effective methods for protecting steel structures from aggressive marine environments, fouling, and corrosion—using contact-type protective coatings—was studied. The efficiency of biocide mass transfer from the coatings into the surrounding seawater was improved. Ecofriendly antifouling coatings were developed, featuring an insoluble matrix composed of biocidal systems containing porous fillers (thermally expanded graphite, vermiculite) to protect the surfaces of structures. It was shown that various modifications of the fillers in these contact-type antifouling coatings with anticorrosion properties help reduce biofouling and can significantly extend the service life of the protected structures.