Fouling release coatings are known to be ecofriendly and to be a good alternative to the coatings containing biocides. To improve their efficiency and lifespan the incorporation of additives seems required. Amphiphilic system as PEG-silicone coatings have a lower impact on the environment. However, PEG oxidation in seawater impacts its lifespan. In this context, the development and incorporation of new hydrophilic additives offers great potentiel. The objective of this study is to design an amphiphilic fouling release coating containing poly(oxazoline) (POx) as additives. POx have similar physical properties as PEG and have already been used in biomedical applications.

POx with a trimethoxysilane end-group has been synthesized to be crosslinked in a RTV silicone coating. The impact of its incorporation in a PDMS coating has been evaluated on surface properties and on coating organization. The results have been compared with a similar PEG-silicone coating. In addition, microbiologic assays have been carried out to evaluate the bacterial adhesion and the fouling properties of the coating. Two biomedicals bacteria and a marine bacterium were used to confirm the interest of POx.

POx-silicone coating showed similar fouling efficiency against bacteria as PEG-silicone coating despite a bigger surface roughness and a lower compatibility with PDMS.