Process for preparing polymeric binders and their use for antifouling paint systems

A binder for antifouling coating compositions, which is prepared by copolymerizing a mixture of polymerizable monomers comprising,

• A) at least one of the compounds of the general formula I ##STR6## in which:
• A H, Cl, Br, or F
• D=Ph(R.sup.1).sub.n or benzyl or --CH.sub.2 --COOR.sup.2
• Ph=phenyl
• R.sup.1 =identical or different in each occurrence and is --NR.sup.2.sub.2, --NH--CO--R.sup.2 --NH--COOR.sup.2, --CH.sub.2 --COOR.sup.2, --C(O)H, --COOR.sup.2 --O--R.sup.2, O--CO-R.sup.2, --SO.sub.3 H, halogen,
• an unsubstituted or substituted thiazolylsulfamyl compound of the formula ##STR7## or an unsubstituted or substituted thiadiazolyl compound n=1-3
• R.sup.2 =identical or different in each occurrence and is H, or an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or aralkyl radical having 1-10 carbon atoms
• and
• B) at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound having the general formula II ##STR8## in which:
• X=H or CH.sub.3
• Y=C.sub.4 -C.sub.12 alkyl, phenyl or cyclohexyl in which the molar ratio of A to B is from 1:1 to 5:1 and optionally
• C) at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound, the molar ratio of (A+B) to C being from 1:0 to 1:10,
• in the presence of a free-radical initiator and inert solvent.