Dynamic Surface Antifouling Materials

Abstract

Comprehensive Summary The colonization of marine microorganisms, animals and plants on underwater surface forms marine biofouling. It has profound effects on marine industries. To solve the problem, we proposed a strategy of Dynamic Surface Antifouling (DSAF), i.e ., continuously changing surfaces can effectively inhibit biofouling organisms landing and adhering, and developed degradable polymer based marine antifouling material. The degradation of polymer chain enables the surface dynamic or self‐renewing even on static conditions. The final degradation products of these polymers are low molecular weight molecules, and do not produce marine microplastics. Meanwhile, the degradable polymers act as carriers and controlled release systems for antifoulants, further improving the antifouling efficiency. This article reviews the development of dynamic surface antifouling materials. What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group? Synthesis of marine anti‐biofouling polymers. How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers? I happened to read a paper about marine biofouling on the internet three months later after I joined University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). Its adverse effects on marine industry and marine activities shocked me very much! No doubt, it makes great significance for our country and society to solve the problem. It is a challenge, but I like challenge, and I decided to get into this field. Realizing that the key is to develop new polymer resin, I was confident that I was able to solve the problem with my polymer chemistry and physics background. Actually, it is not easy. I have spent about 20 years in this project since then. What is the most important personality for scientific research? Curiosity, interest, concentration and persistence. How do you keep balance between research and family? I make a plan and organization for everything so I can keep a balance between family and work. Who influences you mostly in your life? Prof. Ming Jiang and Prof. Chi Wu, who are my PhD and post‐doctor supervisors, respectively. They taught me how to do research and how to choose a significant subject. What is your favorite journal(s)? Macromolecules , Journal of the American Chemical Society , Physical Review Letters . Could you please give us some advices on improving Chinese Journal of Chemistry? The journal may publish more papers about applications of chemistry and history of chemistry.