Self-secreting silicone antifouling coating with antioxidant activity inspired by the multi-layer structure strategy...

Silicone antifouling coatings have garnered widespread attention and development due to their low surface energy, high elasticity, and environment-friendly characteristics. However, there are some problems such as poor mechanical stability and insufficient antifouling capability under static conditions still need to be solved. In this study we imitated the multi-layer design concept of the lubricating layer, epidermal layer, and dermal layer of dolphin skin. Based on the preparation of porous self-stratifying polydimethylsiloxane (PDMSx) coatings, we introduced ethoxyquinoline (EQ), a lipid-soluble antioxidant with antioxidant activity, to prepare a biomimetic autosecretion silicone antifouling coating, LEQ-iPDMSx. The results showed that the PDMSx coating possesses a dense "epidermal layer" (enables the coating to store a higher amount of EQ) and a porous "dermal layer" structure (enhances the oil retention capacity of the coating). Because liquid EQ was secreted on its surface to form a "lubricating layer", the LEQ-iPDMSx coating exhibits excellent wear resistance and shear resistance. Additionally, the lubricating layer exhibits good antioxidant activity and demonstrates superior antifouling capabilities against dopamine and marine bacteria adhesion. Combining lubrication and antioxidant activity, this LEQ-iPDMSx coating provides an innovative strategy for the design of broad-spectrum and efficient antifouling coatings through multi-layer synergistic effects.