Eco-friendly polyurethane acrylate (PUA)/natural filler-based composite as an antifouling product for marine coating

In the current study, the polyurethane acrylate (PUA) polymer was synthesized by the addition reaction between an isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and cured by polyol. Different properties of the synthesized PUA were determined through diverse analysis methods. The polyurethane acrylate (PUA)/natural filler-based composite (rhizome water extract of Costus speciosus) was prepared as an antifouling agent. The results revealed that the lowest weight loss percentages were detected at 2 wt% PUA/natural filler composite loadings with Escherichia coli (ATCC 23,282) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 10,145). The decreased weight loss percentage may be attributed to the well dispersed natural composite resulting in a slippery surface that can prevent fouling adhesion. It was concluded that the PUA/natural filler composite might be considered an eco-friendly and economical solution to the biofouling problem. KEY POINTS: • A novel strategy for anti-biofouling. • A new composite reduced Gram-negative bacteria.