Pinturas Marinas Productos Químicos

Self-polishing copolymer (SPC) antifoulings use acrylic or silyl methacrylate copolymers that hydrolyze in seawater, releasing biocides at a controlled rate. Hard antifoulings use a non-ablating binder with high biocide loading for longer service intervals. Biocide-free silicone fouling release coatings are the premium eco-alternative.

Liquid bisphenol A/F epoxies with polyamide or amine hardeners are standard for marine anticorrosion primers and intermediate coats. High-build formulations at 200–400 µm DFT are applied in two to three coats. Epoxy mastic variants with higher PVC offer surface-tolerant properties for maintenance over existing coatings.

Two-component aliphatic polyurethane (2K PU) topcoats based on acrylic polyol + HDI isocyanate give the best UV and chemical resistance for above-water marine applications. High-solids formulations are preferred to minimize VOC. Waterborne PU dispersions are gaining adoption as regulations tighten in shipyards.

Cuprous oxide remains the dominant biocide at 30–50% by weight in copper-based antifoulings. Co-biocides (zinc pyrithione, copper pyrithione, tralopyril) add efficacy against soft-fouling. Zinc oxide acts as a buffer to control hydrolysis rate in self-polishing copolymer (SPC) systems. Copper-free antifoulings rely on organic booster biocides (DCOIT, medetomidine) for environmentally sensitive markets.

The IMO Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC) requires a two-coat epoxy system at 320 µm nominal DFT with stripe coats on edges and welds, applied to Sa 2.5 surface preparation, in a light color for inspection visibility. Type approval testing per IMO MSC.215(82) confirms 15-year service through accelerated aging, condensation, and salt-spray testing on full-scale panels.

IMO MEPC.207(62) Anti-Fouling Systems Convention prohibits TBT-based antifoulings worldwide since 2008. EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR 528/2012) registers all biocides for marine use. China requires GB/T 31412 compliance. US EPA registers each booster biocide under FIFRA. Antifouling formulations must therefore use approved biocide combinations that pass leach-rate, efficacy, and ecotoxicity testing for each market.