Assessing the impacts of varying UVC doses on a silicone fouling release coating

Recent studies have shown ultraviolet light (UVC) to provide increased biofouling performance when combined with a marine coating, however, it is unknown what impacts this may have on the coating. In this two-part study, we address the impact of UVC exposure on a silicone fouling release coating, as a function of frequency and dosage (4.97 J/cm² to 7.15 kJ/cm²). Higher doses were found to alter the coating properties (e.g. color, hardness, surface energy, adhesion properties). They also resulted in a greater relative abundance of aliphatic (C-C) and siloxane (Si-O-Si) and a decrease in carboxyl (C-O) moieties, along with an increase in the reduced modulus of the coating. However, when paired with a marine coating, UVC will not need to be applied in these high doses. The changes observed with lower doses used were minimal, suggesting that the combination of UVC and marine coatings may prolong the efficacy of biofouling prevention.