Anti-fouling coatings employ various mechanisms to prevent fouling, including:
1. Hydrophobicity: Creating a hydrophobic surface that repels water and water-soluble contaminants. 2. Biocidal Properties: Incorporating biocidal agents that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. 3. Non-Stick Surface: Designing surfaces that reduce adhesion of foulants through low surface energy materials. 4. Self-Cleaning: Utilizing photocatalytic materials that degrade organic contaminants when exposed to light.