Superior superhydrophobic graphene-derived nanocomposites for eco-friendly maritime antifouling surfaces: A review of neoteric development and prospects

Bibliographic Information
Authors: Selim M.S.; El-Safty S.A.; El-Sewify I.M.; Higazy S.A.; Azzam A.M.
Journal: Progress in Organic Coatings
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Publication Date: November 2025
Volume / Issue: Volume 208
Article No.: 109424
ISSN: 3009440
DOI: 10.1016/j.porgcoat.2025.109424
Scopus: View on Scopus
Document Type: Review
Authors and Affiliations
Selim M.S., Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Ibaraki-ken, Tsukubashi, 305-0047, Japan, Petroleum Application Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Nasr City, Cairo, 11727, Egypt; El-Safty S.A., Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Ibaraki-ken, Tsukubashi, 305-0047, Japan; El-Sewify I.M., Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Ibaraki-ken, Tsukubashi, 305-0047, Japan; Higazy S.A., Petroleum Application Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Nasr City, Cairo, 11727, Egypt; Azzam A.M., Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Ibaraki-ken, Tsukubashi, 305-0047, Japan, Department of Environmental Research, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), P.O. Box 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
Abstract
Superhydrophobic nanocomposite coatings have garnered international attention from a wide range of industrial fields. Moreover, antifouling methods of natural surfaces with superhydrophobicity have sparked interest. Thus, nanostructured composites of bioinspired polymers have been used to create effective and environmentally friendly antifouling coatings. Superhydrophobic surfaces are characterized by surface roughness and low free energy. Nowadays, carbonaceous nanofiller-based self-cleaning coatings, particularly graphene materials, represent worldwide direction. In this study, the fundamentals of superhydrophobicity, fabrication of graphene-derived nanocomposites, and applications for self-cleaning surfaces are essentially reviewed. After the ban of organotin compounds in 2003, various superhydrophobic organic/inorganic polymeric nanocomposites have been developed as alternative eco-friendly fouling-prevention materials with chemical surface inertness and physical microfouling repulsion. Hence, fouling expenses and artificial antifouling coating difficulties are also discussed in this review. Recent structured surface modeling using micro–nano binary systems and graphene-derived superhydrophobic nanocomposites for fouling-prevention and self-cleaning coatings are also highlighted. Stability and long-term durability are essential merits for engineering eco-friendly robust superhydrophobic alternatives. This review presents a comprehensive study on the development of graphene-based superhydrophobic polymer nanocomposites with a focus on their surface applications for state-of-the-art fouling release coatings. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.
Keywords
Carbonaceous nanofiller; Fouling release; Graphene; Superhydrophobic nanocomposite; Antifouling paint; Chemical cleaning; Environmental management systems; Nanocarbon; Nanoclay; Nanofibers; Self cleaning surfaces; Surface chemistry; Surface cleaning; Antifouling coating; Eco-friendly; Graphenes; Nanofiller; Self-cleaning coatings; Superhydrophobic; Superhydrophobicity; Nanocomposites
Citation Information
Scopus Citations: 34
For comprehensive information about the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), its institutional activities, scientific and research achievements, clinical and hospital services, and the diverse expertise offered through its 22 specialized research and clinical departments, as well as opportunities for professional training, specialized workshops, and scientific conferences, readers are invited to visit the Institute’s official website.
The website provides regularly updated information on the Institute’s latest news, research activities, scientific initiatives, clinical services, institutional programs, and academic and professional opportunities.
English Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/en/
Arabic Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/ar/
Prepared and Uploaded by:
Abdalla F. Abdalla
Electronic Portal Unit
