Synthesis and characterization of degradable polyurethane based on poly(ether ester) polyols (PPG-2000 and ε-caprolactone/lactic acid) for marine antifouling

Poly(ether ester) polyols consisting of polypropylene glycol-2000 (PPG-2000) and different ratios of ε-caprolactone and lactic acid (LA) had been prepared by polycondensation reactions. Degradable polyurethane (PU) films were prepared with poly (ether ester) polyols and hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer. Hydrolytic degradation experiments demonstrated that PU films could be degradable in artificial seawater. Importantly, the hydrolytic degradation of PU films in artificial seawater increased with the increase of LA content. The results also showed that the surfaces of PU films were renewed and kept active, as revealed by the scanning electron microscope micrographs of degradation PU coatings. Moreover, the copper ion release rates of PU coatings prepared with poly(ether ester) polyols reached steady state at about 35 days. The degradable polyurethanes based on poly(ether ester) polyols (PPG-2000, ε-caprolactone, and LA) could be effective and durable resins for marine antifouling.