Assessment of Marine Coatings at a Central California Static Immersion Test Site
Abstract
Development of effective non-toxic foul-release coatings relies on testing of the coatings performance both in the laboratory and under different field conditions. Evaluations of coating performance in the field and at field sites with different environmental parameters (e.g., tropical vs. temperate) is a critical component in the development of new formulations, and is a primary mechanism by which novel coatings are screened for performance as foul-release surfaces. Over the next year we propose to continue to provide coating assessments at our temperate static immersion field site for contractors within the program. Field testing of marine coatings will consist of exposing test panels to the natural marine environment and assessing: 1) the ability of the experimental coating to deter attachment of marine organisms; 2) the ease with which attached organisms are removed; and, 3) the ability of the coating to remain intact and prevent eventual corrosion of the underlying surface. In addition to testing novel coatings, we plan to participate in the next iteration of the inter-site calibration study and to conduct additional analyses using our data on environmental parameters to explore which variables (e.g., temperature, salinity, chlorophyll) can be used as predictors of recruitment of fouling species. The major scientific advances and naval relevance for our work in this area will be: 1) Facilitating the down-select process for multiple PI~s within the biofouling program as they develop novel coatings; 2) increased understanding of the importance of static field testing across geographical locations; and, 3) increased understanding of the dynamics of fouling communities and environmental factors that affect recruitment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 23, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912214
Entities
People
- Dean E Wendt
Organizations
- Cal Poly Corporation
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy