Assessing the Reliability on Anti-Fouling and the Seawater-Erosion of Silicone-Based Anti-Fouling Coatings

Purpose: The degradation behavior of self polishing coatings (SPCs) and silicone-based antifouling coatings were compared to assess and predict their field-use longevities in response to seawater erosion. The performances of the anti-fouling coatings were investigated by placing test samples in a seawater environment.BRMethods: The test specimens were rotated at 6 knots (11 ㎞/h) in 820 L of seawater for 1 year (Seawater Exposure Test Site, Ansan). The anti-fouling performances were then assessed based on the area of the test specimen contaminated by seawater.BRResults: The silicone-based anti-fouling coatings exhibited higher longevity at approximately 2.7 times that of SPCs.BRConclusion: The field use longevity, life distribution, and statistical parameters obtained in this study are highly useful for the design of ships and offshore structsures to improve their longevity and maintenance period.