SELF ADHESIVE FOULING RELEASE COATING COMPOSITION

Field

[01] The present disclosure relates to a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition. The present disclosure also relates to a method for preparing a multilayer self- adhesive fouling release coating composition, to a method of preparation of a coated substrate and to a substrate at least partially coated with a multi-layer self-adhesive fouling release composition.

Background

[02] Fouling may occur on structures, such as static structures, underwater equipment and vessels (such as ships, boats, yachts), that are (fully or partially) submerged in water (such as sea water). The presence of fouling on submerged structures can lead to a reduction in their performance, such as damage to static structures and underwater equipment or reduced speed and increased fuel consumption in vessels. Fouling on submerged (or underwater) structures, can be due to barnacles, mussels, moss animals, green algae, etc attaching thereto. Fouling on submerged (or underwater) structures is also known to lead to reduced maneuverability or to a reduction in thermal conductivity, which necessitates a cleaning operation that takes a lot of time and results in economic loss. Fouling release systems have therefore been used to combat the detrimental effects of such fouling.

[03] Conventional fouling release systems use physical surface phenomena to disrupt the adhesion of fouling organisms to a substrate. This can be achieved by use of systems that comprise silicone-based components. The silicone-based components provide a surface having low surface energy and low elastic modulus, to which fouling organisms cannot firmly adhere. Any fouling organisms that do adhere to the surface may be removed by weak forces such as those due to movement through water or gentle cleaning.

[04] An alternative way to control fouling is by the use of a coating comprising one or more biocides incorporated into a paint/coating matrix. These are typically known as “antifouling” systems.

[05] “Fouling-release” systems comprise a tough, cross-linked thermoplastic elastomeric layer (herein called the "tie coat") which bonds a foul-release silicone top coat (herein called the "fouling release top coat") to an underlying anticorrosive layer. The mechanical properties are generally imparted by the tie coat layer, while the fouling release top coat provides the foulrelease characteristics. [06] Fouling release systems can be applied to a substrate by successively applying (such as by spraying) the tie coat and the fouling release top coat. Alternatively, fouling release systems may be coated on a self-adhesive product using a synthetic material and directly applied to a substrate surface (such as by pasting the self-adhesive composition on the surface to be coated).

Summary

[07] The present disclosure provides a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprising:

(i) an adhesive layer;

(ii) a structural layer applied over and to the adhesive layer (i);

(iii) an intermediate silicone tie coat applied over and to the structural layer (ii); and

(iv) a silicone fouling release top coat applied over and to the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii); wherein the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and/or the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) comprises a biocide agent.

[08] The present disclosure further provides a method for preparing a multilayer self- adhesive fouling release coating composition, comprising:

(a) coating an adhesive layer (i) with a structural layer (ii);

(b) coating the structural layer (ii) with an intermediate silicone tie coat (iii); and

(c) coating the intermediate silicone tie-coat (iii) with a silicone fouling release top coat (iv), wherein the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and/or the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) comprises a biocide agent.

[09] The present disclosure further provides a method of coating at least a portion of a substrate with a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition as defined herein, the method comprising applying and adhering the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition onto at least part of an outer surface the substrate.

[10] The present disclosure further provides a substrate at least partially coated with a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition as defined herein or prepared as defined herein. [11] The present disclosure further provides a use of a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition as defined herein or prepared as defined herein for at least partially coating a substrate to prevent fouling thereon.

Description of figures

[12] Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release composition for preventing and reducing the adhesion of aquatic organisms.

[13] Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of a structural layer (ii) having functional groups on both its surfaces to increase the surface energy.

[14] Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a part of a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release composition which is applied on an underwater structure.

[15] Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of a part of a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release composition which is wound after coating of a tie coat (iii), enabling the contact between a removable liner (ia) and a tie coat layer (iii).

Detailed description

[16] When describing the compositions of the disclosure, the terms used are to be construed in accordance with the following definitions, unless a context dictates otherwise.

[17] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word “about”, even if the term does not expressly appear.

[18] Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. When ranges are given, any endpoints of those ranges and/or numbers within those ranges can be combined within the scope of the present disclosure. Including and like terms means “including but not limited to”. Similarly, as used herein, the terms “on”, “applied on/over”, “formed on/over”, “deposited on/over”, “overlay” and “provided on/over” mean formed, overlay, deposited, or provided on but not necessarily in contact with the surface. For example, a coating layer “formed over” a substrate does not preclude the presence of one or more other coating layers of the same or different composition located between the formed coating layer and the substrate. Including, for example, and like terms means including but not limited to, for example, but not limited to, and the like. [19] Singular encompasses plural and vice versa. For example, although reference is made herein to "a" polysiloxane, “a” biocide, “an” isocyanate compound, and the like, one or more of each of these and any other components can be used. As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to oligomers and both homopolymers and copolymers, and the prefix "poly" refers to two or more.

[20] The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of’ as used herein are synonymous with "including", "includes" or "containing", "contains", and are inclusive or open- ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. Additionally, although the present disclosure has been described in terms of “comprising”, the coating compositions detailed herein may also be described as “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of’.

[21] As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a list is described as comprising group A, B, and/or C, the list can comprise A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination, B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[22] The term "about" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of error for the device or method being employed to determine the value. The term "about" is meant to encompass variations of +/-10% or less, +/-5% or less, or +/-0.1 % or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosure. It is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

[23] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all integer numbers and, where appropriate, fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 can include 1 , 2, 3, 4 when referring to, for example, a number of elements, and can also include 1.5, 2, 2.75 and 3.80, when referring to, for example, measurements). The recitation of end points also includes the end point values themselves (e.g. from 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

[24] The term "alkyl" or “alk” as used herein, relates to saturated hydrocarbon radicals being straight or branched, polycyclic, acyclic, cyclic or part cyclic/acyclic moieties or combinations thereof and containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as 1 to 8 carbon atoms, for example 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The alkyl groups in the present disclosure and as claimed may alternatively be selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n- butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl and cyclic or branched variants thereof, n-hexyl and cyclic or branched variants thereof, n-heptyl and cyclic or branched variants thereof and n-octyl and cyclic or branched variants thereof, more typically, from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl isopropyl and most typically, from the group consisting of methyl.

[25] The term “aryl” as used herein, relates to an organic radical derived from an aromatic hydrocarbon by removal of one hydrogen, and includes any monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic carbon ring of up to 7 members in each ring, wherein at least one ring is aromatic. The aryl group may be selected from such monocyclic and bicyclic rings. Said radical may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from alkyl or alkoxy radicals. The aryl groups in the present disclosure and as claimed may alternatively be selected from the group consisting of phenyl, naphthyl, indenyl and alkyl substituted phenyl, more typically, methyl substituted phenyl and phenyl, most typically, phenyl.

[26] For the avoidance of doubt, the term “alkaryl” herein should be interpreted accordingly, for example the reference to alk should be interpreted as alkyl above and the reference to aryl should be interpreted as aryl above.

[27] As used herein, the term "substantially free" means that the material being discussed is present in the composition, if at all, as an incidental impurity. In other words, the material does not affect the properties of the composition. As used herein, the term "completely free" means that the material being discussed is not present in the composition at all.

[28] As used herein, the terms "at least a portion of the surface of a substrate" and “at least partially coated” mean that the coating composition may be applied to any fraction of the surface. For many applications, the coating composition is at least applied to the part of the substrate (e.g. a vessel) where the surface (e.g. the ship's hull) may come in contact with water.

[29] As used herein, the term “applied over and to” means that the layers are joined together, that is, are directly in contact with each other.

[30] Reference herein to an "outer surface" or like terms refers to an outermost surface, in use.

[31] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the disclosure, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present disclosure. All publications referenced herein are incorporated by reference thereto. [32] Suitable features of the disclosure are now set forth.

[33] The present disclosure provides a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprising:

(i) an adhesive layer;

(ii) a structural layer applied over and to the adhesive layer (i);

(iii) an intermediate silicone tie coat applied over and to the structural layer (ii); and

(iv) a silicone fouling release top coat applied over and to the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii); wherein the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and/or the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) comprises a biocide agent.

[34] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release composition is intended for reducing the adhesion of fouling organisms, such as aquatic organisms, such as for preventing or reducing fouling on a substrate such as an underwater structure (such as ship’s hulls, harbor facilities, maritime oil field facilities, buoys, etc). The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release composition avoids silicone contamination from the spraying of silicone paint during the application.

[35] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition can be directly applied on a surface of a substrate, such as on a static structure or on a vessel (such as the hull of a boat), in one single step, by simply pasting the self-adhesive composition on the surface to be coated.

[36] Figure 1 shows a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition according to the present disclosure comprising layers (ia), (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) as discussed herein.

[37] An “applied multilayer self-adhesive fouling release composition” is used herein to indicate the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release composition as if applied on a surface of a substrate, such as an underwater structure. An “applied multilayer self-adhesive fouling release composition” thus comprises a layered structure as schematically shown in Figure 3: the applied composition comprises layers (i) to (iv), since the removable liner (ia) is to be removed prior to application of the composition on a substrate’s surface and the removable polymeric film (v) is to be removed once the composition has been applied over a surface to be coated.

[38] The thickness of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition depends on the thickness of each layer/coat in the composition. The thickness of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may be from 50 pm to 5000 pm, such as from 100 pm to 2000 pm, such as from 200 pm to 700 pm.

[39] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may be readily applied to a range of substrates and may provide a good re-workability during the time of application.

[40] The strength of adhesion of aquatic organisms onto an applied multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may be 0.1 N/mm ² or less, such as 0.01 N/mm ² or less, such as 0.002 N/mm ² or less. The lower the strength of adhesion between the silicone fouling release top coat and the aquatic organism, then the more efficient the composition is in terms of preventing or reducing fouling. A low strength of adhesion may be beneficial to low drag properties.

[41] The strength of adhesion of aquatic organism onto an applied multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may be measured with a dynamometer such as an ADEMVA DM10. The method may be as follows: apply a pressure on the aquatic organism to release it from the silicone fouling release top coat of an applied multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition. The measurement may be taken with the gauge positioned at an angle of 90° to the organism.

[42] The applied multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may have an impact absorption rate of 10% or more. This may be measured by pushing a dyanomometer gauge, for example ADEMVA DM10, on the surface until the paint layer is damaged.

[43] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may have sufficient flexibility to allow a good conformation to all irregular shapes of a substrate (such as an underwater structure). The flexibility may be measured by testing the tensile strength of the composition at 10% elongation, according to the method ISO 527-3/2/300. The tensile strength at 10% elongation at 23°C may be 100 N/15 mm or less, such as 80 N/15 mm or less, such as 60 N/15 mm or less.

[44] The elongation at break of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition depends on the elongation of each layer/coat from which the composition is comprised. The elongation at break at 23°C may be 15% or more, such as 50% or more.

[45] The tensile strength at break of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition depends on the elongation of each of the layers/coats in the composition. The tensile strength at break at 23°C may be 10 N/15 mm or more, such as 20 N/15 mm or more. [46] Both the elongation at break and the tensile strength at break may be measured using a meth accoding to ISO 527 (with the parametrs: speed 300 mm/min, sample width 15 mm, sample length 100 mm).

[47] The 180° peeling strength of adhesion of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition at a speed of 300 mm/min between the adhesive layer (i) and the substrate (such as an underwater structure), as measured according to the Finat test method FTM 1 at 23°C, may be 10 N/25 mm or more, such as 25 N/25 mm or more, such as 40 N/25 mm or more. A higher peeling strength indicates a lower risk of self-lifting from the substrate.

[48] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may comprise layers (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv). The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may be wound and stored into a roll.

[49] In the following, individual layers/coats of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition are described.

Adhesive Layer (i)

[50] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprises an adhesive layer (i). The adhesive layer is capable of securing the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition to a substrate at a desired location. The adhesive layer (i) provides adhesion to a substrate on one side and to the structural layer (ii) on the other side. The adhesive layer (i) may have strong adhesion to both the substrate and the structural layer (iii).

[51] The adhesive layer (i) may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[52] The pressure sensitive adhesive may be any pressure sensitive adhesive (a) capable of creating lasting adhesion to both the substrate to be coated and the structural layer (ii) for at least five years; and (b) resistance to aquatic, such as marine, conditions.

[53] The pressure sensitive adhesive may comprise an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive resin, an epoxy pressure sensitive adhesive resin, an amino-based pressure sensitive adhesive resin, a vinyl-based pressure sensitive adhesive resin and/or a silicone-based pressure sensitive adhesive resin.

[54] The pressure sensitive adhesive may comprise an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive, such as an acrylic acid pressure sensitive adhesive. The acrylic acid pressure sensitive adhesive may be formed from an acrylic polymer and one or more crosslinker. The acrylic polymer may comprise a polymer formed from monomeric acrylic acid and/or derivatives thereof, such as acrylic acid and/or acrylic ester. The acrylic acid pressure sensitive adhesive may comprise commercially available acrylic polymer materials. A suitable acrylic polymer material is Loctite DuroTak ® (acrylic base polymers) commercially available from Henkel. The crosslinker may comprise a compound comprising at least one isocyanate functionality and/or a metal organic curing agent, such as a metal salt (such as aluminium acetylacetonate). The acrylic acid pressure sensitive adhesive may comprise commercially available crosslinkers, such as Desmodur® (isocyanate crosslinker) commercially available from Bayer.

[55] The pressure sensitive adhesive may comprise a solvent based acrylic adhesive, such as a solvent based acrylic adhesive resistant to water and/or allowing application at low temperatures from -10°C to 60°C, such as from 3°C to 30°C. This characteristic should permit application all of the year.

[56] The outer surface of the adhesive layer (i) may be covered with a removable liner (ia) which is released prior to application.

[57] The adhesive layer (i) may have any suitable thickness. The adhesive layer (i) may have a thickness of 5 pm to 250 pm, such as 60 pm to 150 pm (depending on the type of adhesive used and the application envisaged).

[58] The adhesive layer (i) may represent 8 to 30% by weight (wt%) of the multilayer self- adhesive fouling release coating composition.

Structural Layer (ii)

[59] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprises a structural layer (ii). The structural layer (ii) is applied over and to the adhesive layer (i). The structural layer

(ii) provides adhesion to the adhesive layer (i) on one side and the intermediate silicone tie coat

(iii) on the other side. Thus, the structural layer (ii) is coated with a tie coat layer (iii) on one side and an adhesive layer (i) on the other side.

[60] The structural layer (ii) may comprise a synthetic material layer (iia) or a thermoplastic layer (iib). The synthetic material layer (iia) may additionally be considered a thermoplastic layer (iib), i.e. such that the structural layer (ii) may be both a synthetic material and a thermoplastic layer.

Synthetic Material Layer (iia) [61] The synthetic material layer (iia) may have excellent properties of impermeability, water resistance, flexibility and elongation.

[62] The synthetic material layer (iia) may comprise one or more resin. The resin may comprise a polyurethane resin, a polyurethane acrylic resin, a vinyl chloride resin, a rubberbased resin, a polyester resin, a silicone resin, an elastomeric resin, a fluoro resin, a polyamide resin and/or a polyolefin resin.

[63] The synthetic material layer (iia) may comprise one or more sub-layers, such as two or more sub-layers. The resins may be present in one or more of the sub-layers, such as in two or more of the sub-layers. The nature and components of each of the sub-layers may provide the synthetic material layer (iia) with additional anchorage and/or barrier properties.

[64] The synthetic material layer (iia) may comprise an elastomeric resin, such as an elastomeric resin comprising an olefin-based elastomer. The olefin-based elastomer may comprise a polypropylene-based elastomer and/or a polyethylene-based elastomer. The olefin- based elastomer may comprise no-orientated polypropylene, bi-orientated polypropylene and/or blow polypropylene. Elastomers possess the mechanical properties to undergo elastic deformation under stress, with the material returning to its previous size without permanent deformation. The use of an olefin-based elastomer may provide a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition that can be applied on both flat and curved surfaces with good workability and without wrinkle formation. A polypropylene-based elastomer may further allow a good anchorage on the adhesive layer (i) and the intermediate silicone tie coat layer (iii).

[65] By the term "good anchorage of layers" as used herein, is meant that the relevant layers do not split up during the period and under the conditions of the intended end-use of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition of the present disclosure.

[66] The synthetic material layer (iia) may be treated on one or both of its sides, such as on both sides, to enhance the adhesion of the adhesive layer (i) and the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii). Suitable treatment methods will be well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable treatment methods include corona treatment, plasma treatment and/or primer treatment. The synthetic material layer (iia) may be treated using a corona treatment and/or a plasma treatment. Such treatment methods are understood to result in the formation of epoxy functional groups, acrylic functional groups, carboxylic functional groups, amino functional groups, urethane functional groups and/or silicone functional groups on the surface of the synthetic material layer (iia). The provision of functional groups on the surface(s) of the synthetic material layer (iia) increases the surface energy. The synthetic material layer (iia) may be treated on both sides with a plasma treatment using an ISh gas, providing amide, amine and imide functional groups on both sides of the synthetic material layer (iia).

[67] The synthetic material layer (iia) may comprise a polypropylene-based elastomer. The synthetic material layer (iia) may be treated on both sides with a plasma treatment using an N2 gas, providing amide, amine and imide functional groups on both sides of the synthetic material layer (iia).

[68] The synthetic material layer (iia) may comprise a porous material. If the synthetic material layer (iia) is porous to any component which could migrate and modify the original properties of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition, it may be necessary to adjust the thickness of the synthetic material layer (iia) and/or to add a barrier layer in the synthetic material layer (iia) or to its surface(s).

[69] The thickness of the synthetic material layer (iia) will be dependent on the nature of the synthetic material layer (iia). The synthetic material layer (iia) may have any suitable thickness. The thickness of the synthetic material layer (iia) may be from 10 to 3000 pm, such as from 30 to 1000 pm, such as from 50 to 300 pm.

Thermoplastic Layer (iib)

[70] The thermoplastic layer (iib) may comprise a polar thermoplastic polymer. The polar thermoplastic polymer may comprise a thermoplastic polyurethane and/or a polyolefin grafted with polar groups.

[71] By the term "polar thermoplastic polymer" is meant a thermoplastic polymer, wherein at least one atom in its molecular structure is selected from nitrogen, oxygen and halogen, in addition to carbon and hydrogen.

[72] Polar thermoplastic polymers may provide good adhesion between the adhesive layer (i) and the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii). In addition, the polar thermoplastic polymer may prevent and/or reduce any extruding liquid present in the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) from migrating through the adhesive layer (i) and subsequently altering its adherence to a surface. This adherence to a substrate surface may be improved by the thermoplastic properties of the polymers and their ability to conform with surface irregularities of the substrate.

[73] The thermoplastic layer (iib) may comprise a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Examples of suitable thermoplastic polyurethanes include both aliphatic and aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane. The aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane may comprise a linear segmented block copolymer composed of soft and hard segments, the hard segment being aliphatic. The aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane may comprise a linear segmented block copolymer composed of soft and hard segments, the hard segment being aromatic. The aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane may comprise an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane based on an isocyanate such as 4,4’-methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) (H12 MDI). Commercially available aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes include 49510 on PET (Argotec). The aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane may comprise an aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane based on an isocyanate, such as methylene diphenyl 4,4’-diisocyanate (MDI). The thermoplastic polyurethane may be an aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane, but aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane may be utilised when colour and clarity retention in sunlight exposure is a priority.

[74] The thermoplastic layer (iib) may comprise a polyolefin grafted with polar groups. The polyolefin may comprise polyethylene (PE) and/or polypropylene (PP). The polar groups of the polyolefin may comprise at least one atom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and halogen, such as groups containing a carboxylic acid or an acid anhydride. The polyolefin may comprise polypropylene. The polyolefin comprising polar groups may comprise a polypropylene grafted with acrylic acid (PP-g-AA).

[75] PP-g-AA comprises a polypropylene backbone, which contains tertiary hydrogens which are highly oxidisable. In this polymer, some quantity of the polypropylene units are grafted with blocks of one or more acrylic acid units. By the term ‘grafted’ as used herein, is meant an acrylic acid block forms a bond with a carbon atom of a polypropylene unit. One acrylic acid b lock can be grafted to one, two or more polypropylene units in one or more polypropylene macromolecules. Less than 5 mol% of the polypropylene units of the polymer may be grafted with an acrylic acid block. There are many commercial polypropylenes grafted with acrylic acid including, for example, CP28UB Embossing 11 (Profol).

[76] The thermoplastic layer (iib) may have any suitable thickness. The thickness of the thermoplastic layer (iib) may be from 30 to 300 pm. The thermoplastic layer (iib) may represent 6 to 40% by weight (wt%) of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition.

[77] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a structural layer (ii) provided with functional groups (F) on both of its sides or surfaces, in order to increase the surface energy.

Intermediate Silicone Tie Coat (Hi)

[78] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprises an intermediate silicone tie coat (iii). The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) is applied over and to the structural layer (ii). The intermediate silicone tie coat may be used as a bond between the structural layer (ii) and the silicone fouling release top coat (iv). The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may comprise commercially available silicone tie coats. The silicone tie coat may comprise polydimethylsiloxane. The silicone tie coat may comprise SIGMAGLIDE® 790 (commercially available from PPG).

[79] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the intermediate silicone tie coat (ii) provides adhesion to the synthetic material layer (iia) on one side and the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) on the other, providing a bond between the synthetic material layer (iia) and the silicone fouling release top coat (v).

[80] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may comprise one or more silicone components. The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may comprise two silicone components, such as a two component polysiloxane or a silane silicone curable by a poly-condensation system.

[81] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may comprise commercially available silicone tie coats. The silicone tie coat may comprise polydimethylsiloxane. The silicone tie coat may comprise SIGMAGLIDE® 790 (commercially available from PPG). When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may comprise an organo functional silane having the structure:

X-CH2CH2CH2Si(OR) ₃ -nR’n wherein n = 0, 1 or 2;

[82] OR represents a hydrolysable group such as a methoxy, ethoxy or acetoxy group, such as an acetoxy group; and

[83] X represents an organo functional group such as an epoxy, amino, methacryloxy or sulphide group. X may represent an organo functional group comprising an additional acid or organic acid so as to increase the adhesion of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) to the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii). The additional acid may comprise an organic acid, such as a carboxylic acid, such as acetic acid.

[84] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may have any suitable thickness. The thickness may be such that the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) is dry after a heating step during a process for the manufacture of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition, for example, when it leaves an oven during the manufacturing process and has a good anchorage on the synthetic material layer (iia). It also enables the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) to have a satisfactory anchorage on the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) which is coated onto the intermediate silicone tie coat layer (iii). The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may have a thickness from 10 to 120 pm, such as from 20 to 80 pm, such as from 30 to 60 pm.

[85] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic layer (iib), the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) provides adhesion to the thermoplastic layer (iib) on one side and the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) on the other, providing a bond between the thermoplastic layer (iib) and the silicone fouling release top coat (v). Suitable intermediate silicone tie coats (iii) will be well known to those skilled in the art, for example, those disclosed in US 4861670. The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may comprise commercially available silicone tie coats. The silicone tie coat may comprise polydimethylsiloxane. The silicone tie coat may comprise SIGMAGLIDE® 790 (commercially available from PPG).

[86] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic layer (iib), the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may comprise vulcanisable silicone.

[87] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic layer (iib), the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may have any suitable thickness. The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may have a thickness from 10 to 100 pm, such as from 20 to 50 pm.

[88] The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) typically represents 12 to 16% by weight (wt%) of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition.

Silicone Fouling release Top Coat (v)

[89] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprises a silicone fouling release top coat (v).

[90] When the structural layer (ii) of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition is a synthetic material layer (iia), the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may be applied over and to the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) such that the outer surface of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprises an outer surface having a fouling release coating, the silicone fouling release top coat (v).

[91] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may comprise one or more silicone resins. Such silicone resins may be condensation-type silicone resins or addition-type silicone resins. The silicone resins may comprise one or more silicone components. One component silicone resins may be dried alone or two component silicone resins may be compounded with a curing agent.

[92] The silicone resin may comprise an elastomeric silicone resin, such as a polysiloxane resin containing reactive groups which can react with a curing agent in a condensation-type reaction. The polysiloxane may comprise a polydialkylsiloxane, a polydiarylsiloxane and/or polyalkylsiloxane such as of the formula:

R ¹ represents a hydroxy group, such that the polysiloxane is hydroxy-terminated.

[93] R ² independently represents a hydrocarbon or fluorinated hydrocarbon radical. Examples of suitable hydrocarbon radicals can include but are not limited to one or more of the following: C1-C20 alkyl, Ce-C2o aryl, C6-20 alkaryl, vinyl, isopropenyl, allyl, butenyl and hexenyl. An example of a suitable fluorinated hydrocarbon radical is 333-trifluoropropyl. The hydrocarbon radical may be phenyl or C1-C4 alkyl, such as methyl. Each R ² may be alkyl, such as methyl. m represents an integer of from 250 to 600.

[94] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may comprise a fouling release agent. Suitable fouling release agents will be well known to those skilled in the art. The fouling release agent may comprise silicone oil, liquid paraffin, surfactant wax, petrolatum, animal fats and/or fatty acids.

[95] When present, the fouling release agent may lower the surface energy of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) and the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may maintain a good fouling release property for an extended time period. The fouling release agent migrates to the surface of the silicone resin matrix and covers the surface of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) with the fouling release component to reduce and prevent the fouling on a substrate by reducing the surface energy.

[96] The fouling release agent may comprise a silicone oil, such as a non-hydrolysable silicone oil. The non-hydrolysable silicone oil may comprise a homopolymer siloxane oil or a copolymer siloxane oil, such as phenyl-methyl dimethyl siloxane copolymer and/or phenylmethyl siloxane homopolymer. [97] The fouling release agent may be unreactive with the silicone resin of the silicone fouling release top coat (v). Thus, the fouling release effect may be maintained for a long period of time.

[98] The fouling release agent may be present in the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) in any suitable amount. The silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may comprise from 0.1 to 100 wt% of fouling release agent, such as from 1 to 90 wt%, such as from 2 to 50 wt%.

[99] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may have any suitable thickness. The thickness may be such that the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) is dry after a heating step during the process for the manufacture of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition, for example, when it leaves an oven during such manufacturing process and has fouling release properties to reduce and/or prevent the adhesion of fouling organisms on a substrate. The silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may have a (dry film) thickness from 80 to 800 pm, such as from 120 to 300 pm, such as from 180 to 250 pm.

[100] When the structural layer (ii) of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition is a thermoplastic layer (iib), the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may be applied over the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) such that the outer surface of the multilayer self- adhesive fouling release coating composition comprises an outer surface having a fouling release coating, the silicone fouling release top coat (v).

[101] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic layer (iib), the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may comprise a polysiloxane, such as a polydialkyl siloxane, such as polydimethylsiloxane. The silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may comprise a one component silicone system or a two component silicone system. The silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may be a two component system. The silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may comprise or may be the product of at least one reactive silicone, at least one condensation catalyst and at least one crosslinker.

[102] The reactive silicone may be at least one of a polydialkylsiloxane, a polydiarylsiloxane and/or a polyalkylarylsiloxane of the formula: wherein each R ¹ is a hydroxyl radical or has the formula: wherein each R ² independently represents a hydrocarbon or fluorinated hydrocarbon radical, each R ³ and R ⁴ independently represents a hydrocarbon radical, a is 0 or 1 , and m has a value such that the viscosity of the compound under ambient temperature and pressure conditions is up to 50,000 centipoise. Examples of suitable hydrocarbon radicals can include but are not limited to one or more of the following: C1-C20 alkyl, Ce-C2o aryl, C6-20 alkaryl, vinyl, isopropenyl, allyl, butenyl and hexenyl. An example of a suitable fluorinated hydrocarbon radical is 333- trifluoropropyl. The hydrocarbon radical may be phenyl or C1-C4 alkyl, such as methyl. Each R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ may be alkyl, such as methyl.

[103] The silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may comprise or may be the product of two or more reactive silicones differing in average molecular weight.

[104] Suitable condensation catalysts will be well known to those skilled in the art and may be those known to be useful for promoting condensation curing of a Room Temperature Vulcanisable (RTV) material. The condensation catalysts may comprise tin, zirconium, titanium and/or aluminium compounds. The condensation catalysts may comprise dibutyltin dilaurate, dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin methoxide, dibutyltin bis (acetylacetonate), 1 ,3-dioxypropane- titanium bis (acetylacetonate), titanium naphthenate, tetrabutyl titanate, zirconium octanoate and/or aluminium acetylacetonate. Various salts of organic acids with such metals as lead, iron, cobalt, manganese, zinc, antimony and bismuth may also be used. The condensation catalyst may comprise a tin and/or titanium compound.

[105] Suitable crosslinkers will be well known to those skilled in the art. The crosslinkers may comprise trifunctional and/or tetrafunctional silanes. By the term "functional" in this context is meant the presence of a silicone-oxygen bond. The crosslinker may comprise methyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, 2-cyanoethyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriacetoxysilane, tetraethyl silicate and/or tetra-n-propyl silicate. The crosslinker may comprise a tetrafunctional silane, such as a tetraalkyl silicate.

[106] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic layer (iib), the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may further comprise an additive. Suitable additives will be well known to a person skilled in the art. A suitable additive may comprise a filler. Suitable fillers will be well known to the person skilled in the art. Suitable examples of fillers include reinforcing and extending (nonreinforcing) fillers. Suitable reinforcing fillers may be commercially available in the form of relatively large aggregated particles typically having an average size significantly greater than 300 nm. The reinforcing filler may comprise a silica filler, such as fumed silica and/or precipitated silica, having surface areas in the ranges of 90 to 325 and 8 to 150 m ² /g respectively. The reinforcing filler may be pre-treated with a treating agent to render it hydrophobic. The treating agent may comprise cyclic silicones such as cyclooctamethyltetrasiloxane, 1 ,3-divinyl-1 ,1 ,3- tetramethyidisilazane, hexamethylcyclotrisilazane and/or octamethyl cyclotetrasilazane. The treating agent may comprise hexamethyidisilazane.

[107] An extending (non-reinforcing) filler may comprise titanium dioxide, lithopone, zinc oxide, zirconium silicate, iron oxide, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, glass fibres or spheres, magnesium oxide, chromic oxide, zirconium oxide, aluminium oxide, crushed quartz, calcined clay, talc, kaolin, asbestos, carbon, graphite, cork, cotton and/or synthetic fibres.

[108] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic layer (iib), the relative proportions of the various constituents of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may be varied within wide limits. The filler may be present in the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) in any suitable amount. The filler may be present from 5 to 200 parts by weight, such as from 10 to 150 parts by weight, per 100 parts of reactive silicone. The condensation catalyst may be present in the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) in any suitable amount. The condensation catalyst may be present in an amount of from 0.001 to 2.5 wt% of the thermoplastic layer (iib), based on the combination of reactive silicone and filler. The crosslinker may be present in the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) in any suitable amount. The crosslinker may be present in an amount of from 0.25 to 5.0 wt% of the thermoplastic layer (iib), based on the combination of reactive silicone and filler. The silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may further comprise a suitable addition curable silicone coating material. Suitable addition curable coating materials will be well known to those skilled in the art.

[109] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic layer (iib), the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may comprise a vulcanisable silicone and an extruding liquid. The extruding liquid may be released very slowly through the silicone polymer, generally enabling to further slowdown the build up of undesired organisms and hence further improve the fouling release properties of the vulcanisable silicone. The extruding liquid may comprise a compound having a boiling point of at least 250°C at atmospheric pressure. The extruding liquid may comprise a silicone oil, a low molecular weight polyolefin, a polyester, a polyisocyanate, a polyurethane and/or a polyepoxide. The extruding liquid may comprise a silicone oil. Silicone oils generally consist of polydihydrocarbyl siloxanes, of which the hydrocarbyl groups may be substituted with heteroatoms. The hydrocarbyl groups may be alkyl groups, such as methyl groups, or all or part may be aryl groups, such as phenyl groups.

[1 10] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic layer (iib), the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may have any suitable dry film thickness. The silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may have a dry film thickness from 10 to 600 pm, such as from 20 to 500 pm, such as from 30 to 400 pm or even from 150 to 250 pm.

[1 11] The silicone fouling release top coat (iv) typically represents from 25 to 45% by weight (wt%) of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition.

[1 12] The silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may comprise SIGMAGLIDE® 890 (available from PPG).

Removable Liner (ia)

[1 13] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may optionally comprise a removable liner (ia). The removable liner (ia) may be applied on the adhesive layer (i) and removed prior to application of the composition on a substrate’s surface. The removable liner (ia) may be present (i.e. not optional).

[1 14] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the removable liner may comprise a siliconized paper or siliconized synthetic layer.

[1 15] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the removable liner (ia) may comprise a clay-coated backing paper coated by an addition-type siliconised system. The clay coated paper may contain water in an amount of 3% or more, such as from 6 to 10% by weight of water. The water contained in the paper may contribute to the hydrolysis of the acetate ion CHsCOO- (which is a product formed during curing of the intermediate silicone tie coat (Hi)), and thereby destroy the acetate ion. It is well-known that the kinetic and the post curing of the last deposit comprising the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) is affected by the presence of the acetate ion. The clay-coated backing paper liner may reduce the amount of residual acetic acid in the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and thus advantageously enable restoration of a good curing kinetic of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv). Indeed, during curing of the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii), the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprising layers (ia), (i), (iia) and (iii) (as shown in Figure 4) may be wound into a roll so that the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) comes into contact with the removable liner (ia), which may reduce the amount of acetate. When the roll is unwound, the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may be coated on the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) which has a reduced amount of acetic acid. When a siliconised synthetic or polyethylene paper is used as removable liner (ia), the acetate ion is not hydrolysed when the composition is wound into a roll, which will slow down curing of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) which is not dry after the process step and may give some variations of thickness of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) by deepness in the roll.

[1 16] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the removable liner (ia) may have a weight of 15 gm ² , such as 25 gm ² , such as 40 to 165 gm ² . This may provide desirable removability of the removable liner (ia) from the adhesive layer (i) and/or enable a good working efficiency.

[1 17] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic layer (iib), the removable liner (ia) may comprise humidified paper, for example containing more than 4%, such as more than 6% by weight of water. This is particularly advantageous when the intermediate silicone tie coat (iv) comprises vulcanisable silicone, in particular, when acetic acid is released during the curing of the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii), the removable liner (ia) (having water content as above) is particular advantageous. The acetic acid yielded in the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) subsequently dramatically slows down the curing of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv). It has been observed however that the liner (ia) reduces the amount of residual acetic acid in the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and thus, advantageously enables a good curing kinetic of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) to be restored. Indeed, during coating of the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii), the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprising layers (ia), (i), (iib) and (iii) may be wound into a roll so that the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) comes into contact with the liner (ia) which may absorb the acetic acid. When the roll is unwound, the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may then be applied on the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) having a reduced amount of acetic acid.

Film Layer (v)

[1 18] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may further comprise a film layer (v). The film layer (v) may be a removable polymeric and/or protective film. The removable polymeric and/or protective film may be applied over and to the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) to protect the silicone fouling release top coat (iv). The removable polymeric and/or protective film may be removed once the adhesive layer (i) of the pressure sensitive adhesive foil has been applied to the surface of the structure to be coated.

[1 19] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the film layer (v) may be present. [120] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the film layer (v) may comprise a polyvinylidene fluoride, a polyurethane, a polyvinylchloride, a polyester and/or a polypropylene.

[121] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the film layer (v) may comprise a polyester and/or a polypropylene film.

[122] The film layer (v) advantageously prevents the migration of silicone and/or extruding liquid up to the adhesive layer (i) when the pressure sensitive adhesive foil comprising layers (ia), (i), (iia), (iv) and (v) is wound into a roll, wherein the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) would come into contact with the removable liner (ia) when the film layer (v) would be absent. This is likewise the case when the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprising layers (i), (iia), (iii), (iv) and (v) is wound into a roll, wherein the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) would come directly into contact with adhesive layer (i) when the film layer (v) would be absent.

[123] When the structural layer (ii) is a synthetic material layer (iia), the film layer (v) may have multiple functions. One function may be the protection of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) from scratch and scuff during manipulation and application. The film layer (v) may be removed just after the adhesive layer (i) of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition has been applied to the surface to be coated. A second function may be the transfer of a film layer (v) with a defined engineered surface to the silicone fouling release top coat (iv). The removable polymeric film (v) may be laminated on top of a silicone fouling release top coat (iv) which is not completely dry. Post-curing may subsequently be used to create a specific surface of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition. If the appearance of the film layer (v) is an ultra smooth film, the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) will be extra smooth. The film layer (v) may be structured with a positive relief. Due to contact between the film layer (v) and the silicone fouling release top coat (iv), the negative of said positive relief may be transferred on the surface of the fouling release top coat (iv), providing an engineered surface of said silicone fouling release top coat (iv). The aim of the engineered surface may be to improve drag resistance and/or the fouling release property. A third function may be, when the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition is wound into a roll, to prevent the migration of components from the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) though the removable liner (ia) which could modify the original properties of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition. [124] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic layer (iia), the pressure sensitive adhesive foil may comprise layers (ia), (i), (iia), iii), (iv) and (v) and may be wound and stored in a roll.

[125] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic material (iib), the film layer (v) may comprise a polyester and/or a polypropylene film. The film layer (v) may advantageously prevent the migration of silicone and/or extruding liquid up to the adhesive layer (i) when the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprising layers (ia), (i), (iib), (iii), (iv) and (v) is wound into a roll and the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) comes into contact with the removable liner (ia).

[126] When the structural layer (ii) is a thermoplastic layer (iib), the film layer (v) may be applied over and to the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) prior to completion of the curing and/or drying of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv), enabling the structure of the surface of the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) to be very smooth or embossed.

Biocide

[127] The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and/or the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) comprises a biocide agent.

[128] The biocide agent (also known as an anti-fouling biocide agent or anti-foulant agent) acts to physiologically disrupt or kill a marine organism. Thus, the biocide provides an antifouling coating effect. This is in addition to the fouling release effect provided by the fouling release top coat.

[129] Both the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may comprise a biocide agent.

[130] The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) may comprise a biocide agent (and not the silicone fouling release tie coat (v)).

[131] The silicone fouling release topcoat (v) may comprise a biocide agent (and not the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii)).

[132] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may comprise multiple (for example two or three, such as two) intermediate silicone tie coats, wherein each of the intermediate silicone tie coats comprises a biocide agent. [133] Any suitable biocide agent may be used.

[134] The biocide agent may comprise an inorganic compound, a metal-containing organic compound and/or a metal-free organic compound.

[135] The inorganic compound may comprise a copper compound (such as copper sulfate, copper powder, cuprous thiocyanate, copper carbonate, copper chloride, and/or cuprous oxide), zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, and/or a copper nickel alloy.

[136] The metal-containing organic compound may comprise an organo-copper compound and/or an organo-zinc compound. The metal-containing organic compound may comprise manganese ethylene bis dithiocarbamate (maneb) and/or propineb. Examples of organo-copper compounds include copper nonylphenol-sulfonate, copper bis(ethylenediamine) bis(dodecylbenzene sulfonate), copper acetate, copper naphthenate, copper pyrithione and copper bis(pentachlorophenolate). Examples of the organo-zinc compounds include zinc acetate, zinc carbamate, bis(dimethylcarbamoyl) zinc ethylene-bis(dithiocarbamate), zinc dimethyl dithiocarbamate, zinc pyrithione, and zinc ethylene-bis(dithiocarbamate). The metalcontaining organic compound may comprise (polymeric) manganese ethylene bis dithiocarbamate complexed with zinc salt (mancozeb).

[137] The metal-free organic compound may comprise a N-trihalomethylthiophthalimide, a trihalomethylthiosulphamide, a dithiocarbamic acid, a N-arylmaleimide, a 3-(substituted amino)- 1 ,3 th iazolidine-2, 4-dione, a dithiocyano compound, a triazine compound and/or an oxathiazine.

[138] Examples of a N-trihalomethylthiophthalimide include N-trichloromethylthiophthalimide and N-fluorodichloromethylthiophthalimide.

[139] Examples of a dithiocarbamic acid include bis(dimethylthiocarbamoyl) disulphide, ammonium N-methyldithiocarbamate and ammonium ethylene-bis(dithiocarbamate).

[140] Examples of a trihalomethylthiosulphamide include N-(dichlorofluoromethylthio)-N’,N’- dimethyl-N-phenylsulphamide and N-(dichlorofluoromethylthio)-N’,N’-dimethyl-N-(4- methylphenyl)sulphamide.

[141] Examples of a N-arylmaleimide include N-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)maleimide, N-4 tolylmaleimide, N-3 chlorophenylmaleimide, N-(4-n-butylphenyl)maleimide, N- (anilinophenyl)maleimide, and N-(2,3-xylyl)maleimide. [142] Examples of a 3-(substituted amino)-1 ,3-thiazolidine-2, 4-diones include 2- (thiocyanomethylthio)-benzothiazole, 3-benzylideneamino-1 , 3-thiazolidine-2, 4-dione, 3-(4- methylbenzylideneamino)-1 ,3-thiazolid ine-2, 4-dione, 3-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-1 ,3- thiazolidine-2, 4-dione, 3-(4-dimethylaminobenzylideamino)-1 ,3-th iazolidine-2, 4-dione, and 3- (2,4-dichlorobenzylideneamino)-1 ,3-thiazolid ine-2, 4-dione.

[143] Examples of a dithiocyano compound include dithiocyanomethane, dithiocyanoethane, and 2,5-dithiocyanothiophene.

[144] Examples of a triazine compound include 2-methylthio-4-butylamino-6- cyclopropylamino-s-triazine.

[145] Examples of an oxathiazine include 1 ,4,2-oxathiazines and their mono- and di-oxides such as disclosed in WO 98/05719: mono- and di-oxides of 1 ,4,2-oxathiazines with a substituent in the 3 position representing (a) phenyl; phenyl substituted with 1 to 3 substituents which are independently hydroxyl, halo, C1-C12 alkyl, C5-C6 cycloalkyl, trihalomethyl, phenyl, C1-C5 alkoxy, C1-C5 alkylthio, tetrahydropyranyloxy, phenoxy, C1-C4 alkyl carbonyl, phenyl carbonyl, C1-C4 alkylsulfinyl, carboxy or its alkali metal salt, C1-C4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C4 alkylaminocarbonyl, phenylaminocarbonyl, tolylaminocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, amino, nitro, cyano, dioxolanyl or C1-C4 alkyloxyiminomethyl; naphthyl; pyridinyl; thienyl; furanyl; orthienyl orfuranyl substituted with one to three substituents which are independently C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 alkylthio, halo, cyano, formyl, acetyl, benzoyl, nitro, C1-C4 alkoxycarbonyl, phenyl, phenylaminocarbonyl or C1-C4 alkyloxyiminomethyl; or (b) a substituent of generic formula : wherein X is oxygen or sulphur; Y is nitrogen, CH or C(Ci-C4 alkoxy); and the C6 ring may have one C1-C4 alkyl substituent; a second substituent which is C1-C4 alkyl or benzyl being optionally present in position 5 or 6.

[146] The metal-free organic compound may comprise 2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophthalonitrile, N,N-dimethyl-dichlorophenylurea, 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one, N,N-dimethyl-N’- phenyl-(N-fluorodichloromethylthio)-sulfamide, tetramethylthiuramdisulphide, 3-iodo-2- propinylbutyl carbamate, 2-(methoxycarbonylamino)benzimidazole, 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4- (methylsulphonyl)pyridine, diiodomethyl-p-tolyl sulphone, phenyl(bispyridine)bismuth dichloride, 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole, dihydroabietyl amine, N-methylol formamide and pyridine triphenylborane. [147] The biocide may comprise a specific barnaclecide, such as cuprous oxide or thiocyanate. Another suitable barnaclecide is ECONEA (2-(p-chlorophenyl)-3-cyano-4-bromo- 5-trifluoromethyl pyrrole), commercially available from Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Another suitable barnaclecide is SELEKTOPE (also known as medetomidine or 4-[1-(2,3- dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-1 /-/-imidazole), commercially available from l-Tech AB.

[148] The biocide agent may improve the prevention and/or reduction of fouling, by providing a biocidal effect in addition to fouling release effect of the silicone fouling release top coat.

[149] The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and/or the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may each comprise 1 % by weight or greater, such as 2 % by weight or greater or 4 % by weight or greater of the biocide agent based on the total weight of the coat. The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and/or the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may each comprise 20 % by weight or lower, such as 15 % by weight or lower, or 10% by weight or 8 % by weight or lower of the biocide agent based on the total weight of the coat. The biocide agent may be present in the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and/or the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) in an amount ranging from 1 to 20 % by weight, such as from 2 to 15 % by weight, such as from 4 to 10 % by weight, based on the total weight of the coat.

[150] The intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and/or the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) may each comprise from 1 to 20% by weight, such as from 1 to 15 % by weight of the biocide agent.

[151] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may comprise layers (ia), (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) and (v).

Coating System

[152] The present disclosure further comprises a coating system comprising:

(a) a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition as defined herein; and

(b) an edge sealant fouling release coating composition operable to be applied to an edge of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition (i.e. once the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition is applied to a substrate).

[153] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may comprise a reactive silicone polymer; a non-reactive silicone polymer; and a crosslinker.

[154] The reactive silicone polymer may comprise one or more polysiloxanes. Such polysiloxanes may include polysiloxanes derived from the condensation polymerisation of silicon compounds having chain terminating units including a silicon-bonded hydroxyl group in the presence of an appropriate acidic condensation catalyst. The silicon compound may comprise a hydroxyl end-blocked polydimethylsiloxane which is polymerised to produce a dihydroxyl polydimethylsiloxane. This reaction may be catalysed by a basic material.

[155] The reactive silicone polymer may comprise a polysiloxane having a structure defined by diorganosiloxane residues and terminal organosiloxane residues, and, optionally, branch organosiloxane residues. Such polysiloxanes include polysiloxanes derived from organo silicon compounds such as dimethyldichlorosilane and water and subsequent polymerisation. In addition, organo silicon compounds can be hydrolysed to form a polymer terminated with silanol groups. Such silane precursors with acid-forming groups can be used to introduce branching into the silicone polymer chain.

[156] The reactive silicone polymer may comprise polyorganosiloxanes comprising predominantly dimethyl siloxane units especially those prepared by polymerization of a precursor siloxane comprising at least two siloxane units which have a silicon-bonded hydroxyl group in the presence of an acidic condensation catalyst.

[157] The reactive silicone polymer may comprise one or more polysiloxanes, such as one or more polyorganosiloxanes. Suitable examples of polyorganosiloxanes include alkyl and/or aryl substituted polyorganosiloxanes, such as polydimethylsiloxane, polydiethylsiloxane, polydimethylphenylsiloxane or combinations thereof. The polyorganosiloxanes may be linear or branched. The reactive silicone polymer may be a hydroxyl-functional silicone polymer. The polyorganosiloxanes may be hydroxyl-functional polyorganosiloxanes including hydroxylterminated polyorganosiloxanes, such as dihydroxyl polyorganosiloxanes including dihydroxyl polydimethylsiloxane, dihydroxyl polydiethylsiloxane and dihydroxyl polymethylphenylsiloxane. The reactive silicone polymer may be a dihydroxyl polydimethylsiloxane, such as a linear dihydroxyl polydimethylsiloxane.

[158] The reactive silicone polymer may comprise commercially available polysiloxane materials. Examples of suitable polysiloxane materials include but are not limited to one or more of the following: SF2001 E series, such as SF2001 EDK005 and SF2001 EDK020, commercially available from KCC Silicone; DMS-S series such as DMS-S27 and DMS-S42, commercially available from Gelest; Bluesil FLD series such as Bluesil FLD 48V750, Bluesil 48V3500 and Bluesil 48V10000, commercially available from BlueStar Silicones, OHX Polymer Series such as ONX-0750 polymer 750 cS, OHX-4010 polymer 4000 cS, OHC-0135 polymer 12500 cS, commercially available from Xiameter Silicones, or combinations thereof

[159] The reactive silicone polymer may be a linear dihydroxyl polydimethylsiloxane. [160] By the term "reactive silicone polymer" as used herein, is meant a silicone polymer operable to react with a crosslinker present in the edge sealant fouling release coating composition according to the present disclosure, for example, the reactive silicone polymer may comprise reactive functional groups such as hydroxyl (OH) groups, thus providing a hydroxyl- functional silicone polymer.

[161] The reactive silicone polymer may have any suitable weight-average molecular weight (Mw). The reactive silicone polymer may have an Mw froml 5,000 to 80,000 Daltons (Da = g/mole), such as from 15,000 to 60,000 Da, or even from 15,000 to 45,000 Da.

[162] The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) may be measured by any suitable method. Techniques to measure the weight-average molecular weight will be well known to those skilled in the art. The Mw values and ranges given herein are as determined by gel permeation chromatography using a polystyrene standard according to ASTM D6579-11 ("Standard Practice for Molecular Weight Averages and Molecular Weight Distribution of Hydrocarbon, Rosin and Terpene Resins by Size Exclusion Chromatography". UV detector: 254 nm, solvent: unstabilised THF, retention time marker: toluene, sample concentration: 2 mg/ml).

[163] The reactive silicone polymer may have any suitable hydroxyl (OH) content. The reactive silicone polymer may have a hydroxyl content from 0.01 to 0.4%, such as from 0.1 to 0.2 % of the reactive silicone polymer. Methods to measure hydroxyl (OH) content will be well known to a person skilled in the art. The hydroxyl content values and ranges given herein are as determined by the method described in ‘Characterisation of silicone prepolymers and disparity in results; G.B.Shah; Express Polymer Letters Vol. 2, No.11 (2008) 829-834’.

[164] The reactive silicone polymer may have any suitable viscosity. The reactive silicone polymer may have a viscosity from 700 to 20,000 mPa.s at 20 °C and shear rate 1.5 s ^-1 as measured according to ASTM D2196-10. The reactive silicone polymer may have a viscosity from 5000 to 20,000 mPa.s at 20 °C and shear rate 1 .5 s ^-1 , such as from 5000 to 18,000 mPa.s at 20 °C and shear rate 1 .5 s ^-1 .

[165] Methods to measure viscosity will be well known to a person skilled in the art. The viscosity values abd ranegs given herein are measured using a Brookfield RV spindle s7 at 6rpm and shear rate 1.5 s ^-1 according to ASTM D2196-10 ("Standard Test Methods for Rheological Properties of Non-Newtonian Materials by Rotational (Brookfield type) Viscometer"). [166] The reactive silicone polymer may have any suitable specific gravity measurement. The reactive silicone polymer may have a specific gravity measurement at 25 °C of from 0.9 to 1.0 g/cm ³ , such as from 0.97 to 0.98 g/cm ³ .

[167] The reactive silicone polymer may have any suitable refractive index. The reactive silicone polymer may have a refractive index of from 1350 to 1500, such as from 1350 to 1450, such as from 1375 to 1425.

[168] The reactive silicone polymer may be present in the edge sealant fouling release coating composition in any suitable amount. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may comprise from 50 to 95 wt%, such as from 60 to 85 wt% of the reactive silicone polymer based on the total solid weight of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition.

[169] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition of the present disclosure may comprise a non-reactive silicone polymer. The non-reactive silicone polymer may be produced by any suitable method. The non-reactive silicone polymer may comprise (homo)polymers and/or copolymers derived from combinations of polysiloxanes. Examples of suitable polysiloxanes include polyorganosiloxanes such as polydimethylsiloxane, polydiethylsiloxane, polymethylphenylsiloxane or combinations thereof. The non-reactive polymer may comprise a copolymer of polyorganosiloxanes, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-methylphenylsiloxane).

[170] The non-reactive silicone polymer may comprise commercially available polysiloxane materials. Examples of suitable polysiloxane materials include but are not limited to one or more of the following: DMS T series (polydimethylsiloxane) such as DMS T21 , DMS T22, DMS T23, DMS T25 and DMS T31 , commercially available from Gelest; PMM series (poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-methylphenylsiloxane)) such as PMM1025 and PMM5021 , commercially available from Gelest; SF series (polydimethylsiloxane) such as SF1000N, commercially available from KCC Silicone; SF series (poly(dimethylsiloxane-co- methylphenylsiloxane)) such as SF5000P and SF5400P, commercially available from KCC Silicone; AK series (polydimethylsiloxane) such as AK-100, AK-200, AK-350 and AK-500, commercially available from Wacker Silicones; Belsil DM1000 (polydimethylsiloxane) commercially available from Wacker Silicones; AP series (poly(dimethylsilioxane-co- methylphenylsiloxane)) such as AP-100, AP-200, AP-500 and AP-1000, commercially available from Wacker Silicones; Silopren W series (polydimethylsiloxane) such as Silopren W1000, commercially available from Momentive Performance Chemicals; Element 14 series (polydimethylsiloxane) such as 14 PDMS-E 500 and 14 PDMS-E 1000, commercially available from Momentive Performance Chemicals; Dow Corning 200 fluid (polydimethylsiloxane), commercially available from Dow Corning; Xiameter PMX-200 silicone fluid (polydimethylsiloxane) commercially available from Dow Corning; Silicon fluid series (poly(dimethylsiloxane-c-methylphenylsiloxane)) such as Silicon 510 Fluid and Silicon 550 Fluid, commercially available from Dow Corning; Bluesil Fluid FLD 47V1000 (polydimethylsiloxane) commercially available from Bluestar Silicones; Mirasil DM1000 (polydimethylsiloxane) commercially available from Bluestar Silicones; Rhodorsil series (poly(dimethylsiloxane-co- methylphenylsiloxane)) such as Rhodorsil oil 510 and Rhodorsil oil 550, commercially available from Bluestar Silicones; PSF series (polydimethylsiloxane) such as PSF 100, PSF 200, PSF 350 and PSF 500, commercially available from Clearco Silicone Fluids and PhenylMethyl Silicone Fluids (poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-methylphenylsiloxane)), such as PM-125, commercially available from Clearco Silicone Fluids, or combinations thereof.

[171] The non-reactive silicone polymer may comprise poly(dimethylsiloxane-co- polymethylphenylsiloxane).

[172] By the term "non-reactive silicone polymer" as used herein is meant a silicone polymer that does not react with a crosslinker present in the edge sealant fouling release coating composition according to the present disclosure. The non-reactive silicone polymer is unreactive to the extent that it does not interfere in the reaction between the reactive silicone polymer and the crosslinker.

[173] The non-reactive silicone polymer may have any suitable weight-average molecular weight (Mw). The non-reactive silicone polymer may have an Mw from 6000 to 28,0000 Daltons (Da = g/mole), such as from 10,000 to 28,000 Da, or even from 15,000 to 25,000 Da.

[174] The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) may be measured by any suitable method, such as the method described above.

[175] The non-reactive silicone polymer may have any suitable viscosity. The non-reactive silicone polymer may have a viscosity from 100 to 1000 mPa.s at 20 °C and shear rate 1 .5 s ^-1 as measured according to ASTM D2196-10. The non-reactive silicone polymer may have a viscosity from 300 to 1000 mPa.s at 20 °C and shear rate 1.5 s ^-1 , such as from 500 to 1000 mPa.s.

[176] Methods to measure viscosity will be well known to a person skilled in the art, such as the method described above.

[177] The non-reactive silicone polymer may have any suitable specific gravity measurement. The non-reactive silicone polymer may have a specific gravity measurement at 25 °C of from 0.95 to 1 .0 g/cm ³ , such as from 0.96 to 0.98 g/cm ³ . [178] The non-reactive silicone polymer may have any suitable refractive index. The non- reactive silicone polymer may have a refractive index of from 1400 to 1600, such as from 1400 to 1500.

[179] The non-reactive silicone polymer may be present in the edge sealant fouling release coating composition in any suitable amount. The coating composition may comprise from 4 to 25 wt%, such as from 4 to 15 wt% or even from 5 to 10 wt% of the non-reactive silicone polymer based on the total solid weight of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition.

[180] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition of the present disclosure may further comprise an additional non-reactive material. Examples of suitable non-reactive materials include paraffins such as fluid paraffin and/or wax paraffins and hydrotreated heavy naphtha (petroleum).

[181] The additional non-reactive material may comprise commercially available non-reactive materials. Examples of suitable non-reactive materials include but are not limited to one or more of the following: Isopar Fluids, such as Isopar H, Isopar K, Isopar L and Isopar M, commercially available from Exxon Mobile and Petroleum wax or petroleum jelly, commercially available from Global Comodity USA.

[182] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition according to the present disclosure may comprise a crosslinker. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may comprise one or more crosslinker. Suitable crosslinkers will be well known to a person skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable crosslinkers include silane-based compounds including acetoxysilanes such as methyltriacetoxy silane and oximinosilanes such as methylethylketoxime silanes and methylisobutylketoxime silane. Tri-functional silane-based compounds are particularly suitable. The term "functional" as used in this context is meant the presence of a silicone-oxygen bond. Suitable oximinosilanes may comprise either methylethylketoxime or methylisobutylketoxime (but not both) and either a methyl, vinyl, or phenyl group (trifunctional oxime silane), two methyl groups or a methyl and vinyl group (difunctional oxime silane), or no nonoxime group (tetrafunctional oxime silane) attached to the central silicon atom. Additional tri-functional silanes suitable as crosslinkers include vinyl- trimethoxysilane, methyl-trimethyoxysilane or combinations thereof.

[183] Suitable examples of commercially available crosslinkers include but are not limited to one or more of the following: SIV9209.0 (vinyltriisopropeneoxysilane), SIV9220.0 (vinyltrimethoxysilane) and SIV9280.0 (vinyltris(methylethylketoximino(silane)), commercially available from Gelest; Dynasylan MTMS (methyltrimethoxysilane), Dynasylan VTMO (vinyltrimethoxysilane) commercially available from Evonik; Z-6300 Silane (vinyltrimethoxysilane) commercially available from Dow Corning; OS-1000 (methytris(methylethylketoximino)-silane), OS-2000 (vinyltris(methylethylketoximino)-silane), commercially available from Honeywell; KBM-1003 (vinyltrimethoxysilane) commercially available from Shinetsu; Silquest A-171 (vinyltrimethoxysilane), crosslinker 3034 (ethyltriacetoxysilane), Silquest B-3448 (vinyltris(methylethylketoximino)-silane), and Silquest B- 3449 (methyltris(methylethylketoximino)-silane), commercially available from Momentive; Vinox/VAS (vinyltris(methylethylketoximino)-silane), Wasox/MOS

(methyltris(methylethylketoximino)-silane), LM-100 (diacetoneoximomethoxyvinylsilane), LM- 400 (triacetoneoximoethylsilane), ETA (ethyltriacetoxysilane), MTA (methyltriacetoxysilane), PTA (propyltriacetoxysilane) and VTA (vinyltriacetoxysilane) commercially available from Rheinmetal/Nitrochemie; Geniosil XL 10 (vinyltrimethyoxysilane), Silane M1 -trimethoxy (methyltrimethoxysilane), Geniosil GF 62 (vinyltriacetoxysilane) and Crosslinker ES-23 (ethyltriacetoxysilane), commercially available from Wacker Chemie, or combinations thereof.

[184] The crosslinker may comprise ethyl tri-acetoxysilane or vinyl ketoxime silane.

[185] The crosslinker may be present in the edge sealant fouling release coating composition in any suitable amount. The coating composition may comprise from 2 to 15 wt%, such as from 3 to 13 wt% or even from 4 to 12 wt% of the crosslinker based on the total solid weight of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition.

[186] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may further comprise a catalyst. Suitable catalysts will be well known to those skilled in the art, such as catalysts suitable for use in room temperature hydrolysis or condensation reactions Suitable examples of catalysts include organic metal compounds and metal salts. Suitable examples of metal salts include metal carboxylates such as bismuth carboxylates (bismuth salts of fatty acids), zinc carboxylates, strontium carboxylates and metal titanates such as bismuth titanate or combinations thereof. Bismuth carboxylates such as bismuth tris(neodecanoate) and bismuth tris(2-ethylhexanoate) may be particular suitable. Examples of suitable organic metal compounds include organo tin compounds, including di-organo tin compounds such as di-alkyl-tin-di-carboxylate or di-alkyl-tin- di-ketonate. The catalyst may comprise a di-organo tin catalyst, such as a dibutyl-tin-dilau rate.

[187] Suitable examples of commercially available catalysts include but are not limited to one or more of the following: Metatin Series such as Metatin Catalyst 712 ES (di-n-butyltin-du- laurate), Metatin Catalyst 812 ES (di-n-octyltin-di-laurate), Metatin 702 (di-n-butyltin-di-acetate), Metatin Catalyst 725 (di-n-butyltin-isodecanoate) and Metatin Catalyst 740 (di-n-butyltin-di- ketonate), commercially available from Acima; Tegostab BL 277 (dibutyl-tin-dilaurate) commercially available from TibChemicals/Evonik; TibKat series such as TibKat 226 (di-n- butyltin-di-ketonate), TibKat 223 (di-n-butyltin-di-ketonate), TibKat 318 (di-n-octyltin-di- neodecanoate), TibKat 716 (bismuth tris(neodecanoate)) and TibKat 720 (Bismuth tris(2- ethylhexanoate)), commercially available from TibChemicals/Evonik; Borchikat series such as Borchikat 24 (bismuth tris(2-ethylhexanoate) and Borchikat 0244 (bismuth tris(2- ethylhexanoate( and zinc bis(2-ethylhexanoate)), commercially available from OMG Borchers; Octasoligen Sr10 (strontium bis(2-ethylhexanoate)), commercially available from OMG Borchers; K-Kat Series such as K-Kat 348 (bismuth tris(2-ethylhexanoate)), K-Kat XC-B221 (bismuth carboxylate); K-Kat XK-651 (bismuth carboxylate), K-Kat 670 (zinc compound and active organic material) and K-Kat XK-648 (amine salt/zinc complex), commercially available from King Industries and Tyzor Series, such as Tyzor Pita and Tyzor Pita SM, commercially available from Kenrich Petrochemicals or combinations thereof.

[188] The catalyst may be present in the edge sealant fouling release coating composition in any suitable amount. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may comprise up to 1 wt%, such as up to 0.5 wt% of the catalyst based on the total solid weight of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition.

[189] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition according to the present disclosure may further comprise an additive or combination of additives. Suitable additives will be well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable additives include, but are not limited to the following: deformers; pigments; thixotropic agents; biocides; fragrances; fillers such as hydrophobic silica; adhesion agents; buffers; dispersing agents; surfactants; deaerators; surface control additives; surface active components such as pine oil; hydrophobing agents; wetting additives; rheological agents; anti-cratering additives; radiation curing additives; anticorrosion additives; pH regulators; anti-graffiti additives or combinations thereof.

[190] Suitable rheology modifiers (rheological agents) will be well known to those skilled in the art. Suitable examples of rheology modifiers include, but are not limited to the following: fumed silica; precipitated silica; bentonite clay; clay; nano-clay; castor oils and derivatives thereof; polyamide wax; micronized amide wax or combinations thereof. The rheology modifier may be used in the edge sealant fouling release coating composition in amount of up to 2 wt% based on the total solid weight of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition.

[191] Suitable pigments will be well known to those in the art. Suitable pigments may be, for example, silicone colour pastes. The pigment may be used in the edge sealant fouling release coating composition in any suitable amount. The pigment may be used in the edge sealant fouling release coating composition in an amount of from 3 to 7 wt% based on the total solid weight of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition. [192] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may comprise a pigment volume concentration (PVC) of up to 10 vol%, such as from 0.8 to 4 vol%, for example from 0.9 to 2 vol% of the total volume of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition. Methods of measurement of pigment volume concentration will be well known to a person skilled in the art. The pigment volume concentration refers to the volume of pigment and filler dived by the total volume of solids of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition, the total volume of solids being the volume of pigment and filler plus the volume of the non-volatile solid binder.

[193] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition of the present disclosure may contain no additional solvent. The solid content of the coating composition may be at least 80 wt%, such as up to 90 wt% or even up to 100 wt% based on the total weight of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition.

[194] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition of the present disclosure may further comprise one or more solvents. The solvent may comprise one or more organic solvent. Suitable organic solvents include, but are not limited to one or more of the following: aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene; toluene; xylene; solvent naphtha 100, 150, 200; those available from Exxon-Mobil Chemical Company under the SOLVESSO trade name; ketones such as methyl isobutyl or combinations thereof. The solvent may comprise xylene. The solvent, when present, may be used in the coating composition in an amount from 0 to 20 wt%, such as from 0 to 10 wt% based on the total solid weight of the coating composition.

[195] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition according to the present disclosure may have any suitable viscosity. The viscosity of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition will be dependent on factors such as the end use of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition and the fouling release coating system according to the present disclosure. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition according to the present disclosure may have any suitable viscosity. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may have a viscosity of from 1500 to 10000 mPa.s at 20 °C and shear rate 1 .5 s ^-1 as measured according to ASTM D2196-10. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may have a viscosity of from 1500 to 5000 mPa.s at 20 °C and shear rate 1 .5 s ^-1 , such as from 1500 to 2500 mPa.s.

[196] The viscosity may be measured within 10 minutes, such as within 5 minutes or even within 2 minutes of initial mixing of the first and second components (detailed below) of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition. The viscosity may be measured within 1 minute of the initial mixing of the first and second components of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition. [197] Methods to measure viscosity will be well known to those skilled in the art, such as the method described above.

[198] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be applied to an edge of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be applied to one or more edges of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be applied along the boundary between two or more multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating compositions. All or part of the edge of the pressure sensitive adhesive foil may be covered.

[199] By "applied to the edge of the pressure sensitive adhesive foil" and like terms as used herein, is meant the edge sealant fouling release coating composition is applied to an edge region of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition, such that it extends over the boundary between an edge of the composition and the substrate, such that the edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be also applied to the substrate to be coated. This also extends to overlapping the gap between edges of adjacent compositions.

[200] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be applied to an edge of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition by any suitable method. Methods of applying said edge sealant fouling release coating composition will be known to a person skilled in the art. Suitable application methods include brush coating, spray coating, roll coating, dipping, casting, knifing and/or painting.

[201] The edge sealant coating composition may be applied to the edge of the multilayer self- adhesive fouling release coating composition after the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition has been applied and adhered to the substrate to be coated.

[202] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be applied to an edge of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition to any suitable dry film thickness. The dry film thickness of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition will be dependent on factors such as the end-use of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition and multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be applied to a dry film thickness of up to 2 mm. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be applied to a dry film thickness from 100 to 500 pm, such as from 100 to 300 pm, or even from 150 to 200 pm.

[203] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be in the form of a two component (2K) or a one component (1 K) composition. [204] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be cured at ambient temperature, for a period of time from 2 to 12 hours. The curing time will be dependent on a number of factors including the dry film thickness of the edge sealant fouling release coating composition and the humidity of the curing environment.

[205] The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be cured by a heat curing process. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be cured at a temperature from 60 to 130°C, such as from 90 to 120°C. The edge sealant fouling release coating composition may be heat cured for a period of time from 5 to 15 minutes. Other methods of curing include using an IR (Infra-Red) application technique at a temperature of from 50 to 80°C, such as from 55 to 65°C.

Method of preparation of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release compositions of the disclosure

[206] The present disclosure provides a method for preparing a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition, comprising:

(a) coating an adhesive layer (i) with a structural layer (ii);

(b) coating the structural layer (ii) with an intermediate silicone tie coat (iii); and

(c) coating the intermediate silicone tie-coat (iii) with a silicone fouling release top coat (iv), wherein the intermediate silicone tie coat (iii) and/or the silicone fouling release top coat (iv) comprises a biocide agent.

[207] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may optionally comprise a removable liner (ia). The removable liner (ia) may be applied on the adhesive layer (i) and removed prior to application of the composition on a substrate’s surface. The removable liner (ia) may be present (i.e. not optional).

[208] The method may further comprise contacting the tie-coat (iii) with the removable liner (ia) (such as a removable liner comprising a clay-coated backing paper coated by an additiontype siliconised system) for a period of time sufficient to substantially absorb products (such as acetate ions) formed by curing of the tie-coat.

[209] The method of the present disclosure may be used to prepare a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition according to the present disclosure. The layers (ia), (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) (when present) are as described herein.

Method of preparation of a coated structure and coated structures [210] The present disclosure provides a method of coating at least a portion of a substrate with a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition as defined herein, the method comprising applying and adhering the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition onto at least part of an outer surface the substrate.

[211] The outer surface of the structure to be coated may have been pre-coated with an anticorrosive layer, before applying the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition according to the disclosure.

[212] The present disclosure provides a substrate at least partially coated with a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition as defined herein or prepared as defined herein.

[213] Examples of coated substrates include static structures, such as onshore (for example bridges, pipelines for power stations) and offshore structures. Examples of coated substrates include vessels (for example ships, boats, yachts), which may be commercial or leisure vessels.

[214] Examples of coated substrates include a ship’s hull (such as of commercial vessels or yachts), onshore structures (such as pipelines for power stations), structures used in fish farming and offshore structures.

[215] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition according to the present disclosure may be applied to the substrate by any suitable method. Suitable application methods include direct application to the substrate by manual or automated means. All or part of the surface of the substrate may be covered.

[216] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition according to the present disclosure may be applied at ambient temperature. The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition may be applied at any suitable temperature. The multilayer self- adhesive fouling release coating composition may be applied at a temperature from -10°C to 60°C, such as from 3°C to 30°C.

[217] The substrate to be coated may be pre-coated with suitable coating layers, including multiple suitable coating layers, before applying the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition to the surface of the substrate to be coated. Suitable coating layers will be well known to a person skilled in the art and may include coating layers such as an anti-corrosive layer. [218] The multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition according to the present disclosure may be applied directly to the surface to be coated (without further preparation of the surface to be coated) or the surface of the substrate may require further preparation before application of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition. Prior to application of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition, the structure to be coated may be cleaned, such as by rinsing, with a suitable detergent or solvent. The nature of the detergent or the solvent will be dependent on factors such as the nature of the structure to be coated and the type of contaminant on the surface of the structure to be coated. Suitable examples of detergent or solvent will be well known to a person skilled in the art. The structure to be coated may be rinsed with xylene prior to application of the multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition.

[219] The substrate may be a primer coated and/or intermediate coated metal substrate.

[220] The substrate may be an underwater structure, such as a surface of a ship’s hull or an offshore structure or bridge.

[221] The present disclosure further provides a use of a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition as defined herein or prepared as defined herein for at least partially coating a substrate to prevent fouling thereon.

[222] The present disclosure provides a multi-layer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition which does not require cleaning for at least 3 years, for example at least 5 years. This offers significant advantages over coating compositions of the prior art which does not stay clean for as long.

[223] Whereas particular examples of this invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details of the present invention may be made without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims

[224] All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects and in any combination.

[225] The disclosure will be further discussed with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

Examples Example 1

[226] An intermediate silicone tie coat was prepared comprising a biocide (copper omadine) and polydimethylsiloxane. The biocide was uniformly dissolved or dispersed in the polydimethylsiloxane by stirring/dissolving during the production process of the tie coat. The intermediate silicone tie coat was then incorporated into a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprising a self-adhesive layer, a structural layer and a silicone fouling release top coat.

Example 2

[227] Example 1 was repeated except that the biocide was added to the silicone fouling release top coat.

Example 3

[228] An intermediate silicone tie coat was prepared comprising a biocide (Econea) and polydimethylsiloxane. The biocide was uniformly dissolved or dispersed in the polydimethylsiloxane by stirring/dissolving during the production process of the tie coat. The intermediate silicone tie coat was then incorporated into a multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition comprising a self-adhesive layer, a structural layer and a silicone fouling release top coat.

Example 4

[229] Example 3 was repeated except that the biocide was added to the silicone fouling release top coat.

Example 5

[230] A multilayer self-adhesive fouling release coating composition was prepared comprising a self-adhesive layer, a structural layer, a silicone tiecoat and a silicone fouling release top coat. The silicone fouling release top coat comprises the following components set out in Table 1 : Table 1

[231] A performance assessment of the multi-layer self adhesive fouling release coating composition described in Example 5 was conducted according to the industrial standard ASTM

D3623 (Standard Test Method for Testing Antifouling Panels in Shallow Submergence), wherein a non-fouled surface gives a score of 100 and a completely fouled surface gives a score of 0.

[232] The assessment criterion is defined as follows:

Table 2

[233] For the assessment, a test panel coated with the multi-layer self adhesive fouling release coating composition described in Example 5 was submerged in seawater and placed on a static raft below the water line. Soft fouling includes the adhesion of fouling organisms such as slime and algae, while hard fouling fouling includes the adhesion of fouling organisms such as barnacles, tubeworms and mussels. After removal of the panel from the seawater, the fouled surface of the test panel was wiped with a soft wet brush and immediately inspected. The test panel was evaluated after 14 months from the initial submersion. The fouling control performance was evaluated using a rating as detailed below:

Table 3

[234] The test panel with the multi-layer self adhesive fouling release coating composition of Example 5 was given a score of 90, providing a rating of “excellent”. For reference, a panel coated with a standard fouling release coating (not containing a biocide agent) was assessed using the same method as described in paragraph 233 and was given a score of 79, providing a rating of “good”, while an epoxy panel with no fouling release coating or biocide agent was assessed using the same method as described in paragraph 233 and was given a score of “0”, which provides a rating of “very bad”.

[235] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[236] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[237] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. [238] The disclosure is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The disclosure extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.