Based on the latest industry research and technological advancements as of 2026, the antifouling raw materials offering the best overall environmental performance are primarily found in non-biocidal systems that are free of heavy metals, biodegradable, and devoid of secondary pollution. Different types offer distinct environmental advantages:
Current Mainstream Environmentally Friendly Antifouling Raw Materials
Naturally Derived Bio-based Antifouling Materials
Natural active substances-such as capsaicin, terpenoids, and lactones-extracted from marine organisms (seaweed, sponges, corals) rely entirely on neither heavy metals nor synthetic biocides. They are fully biodegradable in natural environments and do not bioaccumulate in the food chain. A novel marine coating developed by Zhejiang University in 2026 utilizes a copolymer structure to achieve the controlled, stable release of capsaicin; it demonstrates a 99.03% antibacterial rate against *E. coli* and exhibits zero ecotoxicity, making it a widely recognized, highly eco-friendly material.
Low-Surface-Energy Silicone/Fluorocarbon Materials
Silicone-based materials, exemplified by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), utilize extremely low surface energy to prevent fouling organisms from adhering. They release no toxic substances throughout their lifecycle and result in zero pollution emissions. The latest modified silicone systems also feature self-healing capabilities and adhesion strengths reaching 2.49 MPa, significantly extending service life; upon disposal, they can gradually degrade naturally in the marine environment.
Copper-Free, Fully Biodegradable Resin-Based Materials
In a copper-free antifouling coating system disclosed in a 2026 patent by Huaqin Technology, the degradation products of the resin mixture consist entirely of small molecules with good biocompatibility. This completely avoids the ecological hazards associated with copper ion accumulation in nearshore waters and eliminates the risk of secondary pollution, perfectly aligning with the demand for greener marine antifouling materials.
Eco-friendly Nanocomposite Materials
Nanocomposite antifouling materials-centered on nano-silica and modified graphene-achieve antifouling effects by creating micro- and nano-scale rough, hydrophobic structures. They require no heavy-metal antifouling agents while simultaneously enhancing the coating's anti-corrosion performance. Their VOC emissions are far lower than those of traditional solvent-based materials, meeting stringent environmental standards.
