Chemical antifouling coatings are applied to the hulls of ships to control marine-life growth. ASTM Subcommittee D01.45 on Marine Coatings seeks input from stakeholders as they develop standards for these coatings.

“Antifouling coating technology is in a state of transition,” said Subcommittee Chairman Elizabeth Haslbeck, a materials scientist with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Md. “Environmental regulations are driving the technology to more benign, non-toxic approaches. On a global scale, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently considering a worldwide ban on the use of the very effective organotin compounds. Even the most widely used active agent, copper, is coming under scrutiny and limitations are being placed on its use in some countries including Canada and Sweden.

“New, environmentally friendly, coating formulations and concepts are continually being introduced,” she explained, “in hopes of matching or exceeding the effective formulations that have been on the market for decades. Some of the newer formulations are based on non-toxic technologies, some on toxic but non-persistent or reduced-toxicity biocides. This transition to new coating technologies is prompting a new look at marine-coating evaluation protocols, techniques, and standards.”

Eleven ASTM standards address antifouling, such as D 6442, Standard Test Method for Copper Release Rates of Antifouling Coating Systems in Seawater (approved in 1999) and D 5618, Standard Test Method for Measurement of Barnacle Adhesion Strength in Shear (reapproved in 2000).

“ASTM D01.45 [is] in the process of developing standards for determination of biocide release rates, introducing revised methods for the field evaluation of coatings for the control of biofouling accumulation, and creating new methods for the determination of biocide in liquid paint,” continued Haslbeck. “Standards, guides, and methods for other aspects of marine coatings are continually being considered. If you have an interest in this area, our subcommittee would like your input, ideas, and contributions.”

Contact Elizabeth Haslbeck, Naval Surface Warfare Center, West Bethesda, Md. (phone: 301/227-4784). ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications meets June 10-13, Pittsburgh, Pa. For further information about meetings or membership, contact Staff Manager Tim Brooke, ASTM (phone: 610/832-9729). //

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