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Epoxy–resorcinol resin composite protects against corrosion and biofouling
Researchers have developed an epoxy system with resorcinol–formaldehyde resin (RF) that effectively prevents both corrosion and biofouling in marine environments.
A Chinese research team has introduced a novel composite coating system that combines epoxy resin (EP) with resorcinol–formaldehyde resin (RF). The aim was to address persistent challenges of corrosion and microbial fouling on ships and marine installations.
In corrosion tests — including open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and neutral salt spray — the RF/EP-6 coating achieved an impedance of 1.56 × 10⁹ Ω·cm², outperforming pure epoxy (3.64 × 10⁶ Ω·cm²) by more than two orders of magnitude.
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Dual protection from RF resin
In addition to its strong corrosion resistance, the RF/EP coating showed significant antifouling activity against bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) and algae (Chlorella), with only minimal microbial adhesion.
The researchers attribute this effect to the formation of reactive oxygen species (•OH, •O₂⁻, H₂O₂) induced by the RF resin. This innovative concept demonstrates how combining targeted materials can create multifunctional coatings for marine applications.
Source: Tang, Y. et al., Resorcinol–formaldehyde resin combining epoxy resin as composite coating with efficient anti-corrosion resistance and anti-biofouling capacity. Prog. Org. Coat. 203, 109177 (2025).
