Modern antifouling coatings. Part I — Synthesis and testing of some organotin polymer systems

Three copolymer and three terpolymer systems involving tributyltin methacrylate, methyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile were prepared with variable tin content of 7, 15 and 22%. The structure of the organotin polymers was investigated by the elemental analysis of tin and nitrogen and by infrared spectroscopy. Long‐term leaching rate determinations of tin from the organotin polymer films were studied and were in the range of 0.033–0.045 ?g Sn/cm2/day. The antifouling performance of the prepared polymer varnishes was tested at Ismailia and at Alexandria. Tributyltin methacrylate‐methyl methacrylate copolymer with tin content of 22% exhibited the highest antifouling potential for more than 18 months.