ABSTRACT
382Biofouling has been a matter of huge concern in terms of economy and environment. Though many techniques are known for countering this, the coatings technology involving biocides dominates the market. Tributyltin (TBT)-based coatings were the most widely used and popular among the antifouling coating industry till its toxic nature to marine systems led to a ban by International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on its application in antifouling coatings. This promoted research for new technologies in antifoul coatings, and still the search is at nascent stage. Previous studies have shown that antimicrobial formulations in the form of nanoparticles could be used as effective bactericidal materials. The bactericidal effect of these metal nanoparticles has been attributed to their small sizes. However, to understand the potential of nanometals as biocides, a deep understanding of fouling technology and antifouling coatings are very much required. The present chapter looks into the fundamental aspects of biofouling, the antifouling techniques involved, the IMO ban on TBT, and other biocides. The chapter also discusses the potential of nanometals as biocides in place of conventional metal-based coatings in market.
