RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN MARINE ANTIFOULING COATINGS

A brief overview of the state of the art in controlling or preventing undesirable marine growth on surfaces exposed to the marine environment using antifouling coatings is presented with emphasis on organotin toxicants. Recent developments in this area are described, especially in regard to organotin polymer technology where the toxicant and the binder are chemically linked in a film-forming polymer. These organotin polymer systems hold promise for truly providing the 30 month protection against fouling long sought by ship owners and operators.