A team from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (Chinese Academy of Sciences) has introduced a new degradable silicone-hydrogel coating designed for marine environments. The innovative coating addresses the key challenge of microbial fouling in marine engineering, such as on ship hulls or underwater infrastructure. Reading tip: Sol-Gel Technology in PracticeExplore the versatile applications of sol-gel technology in coatings with “Sol-Gel Technology in Practice”. Discover how sol-gel coatings enhance durability, functionality, and environmental sustainability. Applied at a thickness of 200 µm, the coating is expected to last around five and a half years.