Adhesive features of antifouling coating deposited on DH36 steel plate

This work examines the mechanical performance and adhesion characteristics of commercial silicone-based antifouling coatings applied to DH36 steel substrates. DH36 is a low-carbon, high-strength structural steel widely used in marine applications, where its exposure to seawater makes it prone to rapid corrosion and biofouling. Antifouling coatings therefore play a dual role: they limit biological growth and provide an essential corrosion barrier. Growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressure have increased interest in silicone formulations that incorporate less toxic or "eco-friendly" active ingredients, as demonstrated in our previous related studies. In this context, the present study aims to investigate the adhesion strength of a three-layer commercial antifouling system, composed of a primer, a binder layer, and a silicone topcoat, applied to DH36 steel sheets. Mechanical performance was evaluated through pull-off adhesion tests and three-point bending tests, systematically varying the deposition parameters. The results identify how process variables influence coating-substrate adhesion and provide insights for optimizing deposition protocols to maximize the durability and protective performance of silicone antifouling coatings in marine environments.