Methodology for the evaluation of antifouling paints performance in static conditions

Abstract

Biofouling is an important aspect to consider in the protection of a structure submerged in sea water. In fact, besides causing deterioration of the entire protective system (e. g., corrosion protection), biofouling increases roughness and weight in ships and other structures therefore affecting their operation. Antifouling paints, having the capacity to exclude the marine organisms that tend to adhere to the surface, have been developed in order to mitigate these adverse effects. In order to formulate and evaluate a potential paint it is necessary to have knowledge of the marine environment, and to be able to conduct both laboratory and field tests so representative and applicable results are obtained. The recommended steps to follow in such a study are described in this paper. The methodology proposed has been recently developed and applied with promising results.

Keywords

• Sea water corrosion
• antifouling paints
• biofouling
• static inmersion tests