Enhanced Antifouling Performance of Silicone Coating via Improving MWCNT Dispersion

The dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in coatings plays a crucial role in the physical and antifouling properties of the coatings. This study presents an innovative silicone‐based antifouling coating fortified with MWCNT slurry, aiming to elevate physical properties and antifouling capabilities. The silicone coatings fortified with MWCNTs were achieved through a mechanical blending process where hydroxyl‐terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) was combined with distinct slurries constituted of MWCNTs suspended in butyl acetate (BA), N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), or isopropanol (IPA). The dispersion uniformity, surface morphology, mechanical durability, and antifouling abilities of the coatings were evaluated. The coatings fortified with MWCNT slurries exhibit enhanced mechanical properties and low surface energy characteristics. Roughness, surface energy, and Young's modulus emerged as three pivotal parameters influencing antifouling performance. The fouling removal rate initially declines and then increases as these parameter values increase. Since a single parameter cannot accurately gauge the coating's antifouling efficacy, we introduce the concept of the relative dependence factor (RDF) to capture their combined influence. Notably, the C‐DMF coating achieved the lowest RDF value, demonstrating an 84.48% bacterial removal rate. Optimal antifouling performance can be realized through minimizing RDF values.