A system, composition, and method are disclosed for producing superhydrophobic and antifouling polymer materials. The invention incorporates antifouling agents such as capsaicin, medetomidine, tralopyril, or zinc pyrithione together with hydrophobic additives such as polydimethylsiloxane, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluoropolymers, or surface-modified nanoparticles into natural or synthetic rubber and thermoplastic matrices. In one approach, pre-formulated antifouling compositions are added as solid components during compounding, and in another, the polymer itself serves as a carrier medium for direct incorporation of the active ingredients. The compounded materials exhibit controlled release of antifouling agents, low surface energy, and superhydrophobic behavior that reduces drag and resists attachment of marine and freshwater organisms. A manufacturing system may include compounding, monitoring, and forming units, with optional plasma or laser treatment to enhance nanoscale roughness. The invention enables durable, environmentally responsible materials for marine, industrial, and consumer applications requiring long-term fouling resistance.

The invention relates to a method of producing an object having a fluorinated polymer coating free of per- and polyfluorinated acids and salts thereof, wherein the method comprises a step DF of depositing a fluorinated polymer coating on the object by means of plasma polymerization of a fluorinated precursor monomer and a step IG of exposing the object to an inhibiting gas which inhibits the formation of per- and polyfluorinated acids and salts thereof in or on the deposited fluorinated coating. Thereby step IG is carried out after step DF, and from the start of step DF until the end of step IG the object is treated in a substantially oxygen free atmosphere.