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Research Article

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

Concrete Anti-Fouling Coatings: Progress from Barrier Layers to Liquid-Infused Slippery Surfaces

DOI
https://doi.org/10.65231/ijmr.v1i3.44
Submitted
November 23, 2025
Published
2025-12-30

Abstract

Concrete surfaces in marine, hydraulic, and urban environments are prone to physical, chemical, and biological fouling, accelerating degradation and reinforcement corrosion. Surface coatings offer protection, including barrier-type, superhydrophilic hydration-layer, antimicrobial, superhydrophobic, and liquid-infused slippery coatings. Barrier coatings provide physical isolation but suffer from limited durability; superhydrophilic and antimicrobial coatings improve self-cleaning and bio-resistance yet face mechanical and chemical stability challenges. Superhydrophobic coatings reduce contaminant adhesion via micro-/nano-structures, but air-trapped interfaces are easily disrupted. Liquid-infused slippery coatings stabilize a lubricating layer within porous structures, achieving low friction, anti-fouling, low adhesion, and self-healing properties. This review summarizes fouling mechanisms, evaluates coating strategies, and highlights ultraslippery coatings as a promising approach for durable, environmentally friendly concrete protection in harsh conditions.

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