Publisher Offshore Technology Conference Document ID 3020-MS Content Type Conference Paper

Language English DOI 10.4043/3020-MS

Title PROTECTIVE COATINGS AND ANTIFOULING PAINT THAT CAN BE APPLIED UNDERWATER Authors Richard W. Drisko, Civil Engineering laboratory Source Offshore Technology Conference, 2-5 May , Houston, Texas ISBN 978-1-55563-570-1 Copyright 1977. Offshore Technology Conference Preview ABSTRACT Protective coatings and antifouling paints have been developed that can be applied by brush, roller, or plastic applicator to underwater surfaces. Field studies to date indicate that steel surfaces can be protected from corrosion and marine fouling using these products for at least 1 years. Field testing to determine surface preparation requirements for underwater coating showed that surface preparation by abrasive blasting is best, but that power wirebrushing or water blasting may provide satisfactory surfaces for coating underwater. All of the formulations containing organ biocides displayed some degree of resistance to marine fouling and those with 6-percent tin compared quite favorably with the standard Navy copper-based antifouling paint used for comparison purposes. The new formulations can be used to repair damaged coatings or restore fouling resistance on waterfront and offshore structures and on hulls of ships without their removal or dry docking, thus resulting in considerable savings in time or money. INTRODUCTION A simple method of applying durable protective coatings and long lasting antifouling paints to structures located underwater has been a long desired capability. It would permit repair of damaged or weathered coatings on fixed or floating structures without their removal from the water. It also would permit touch-up or renewal of hull coatings without drydocking of vessels and coating of keel block areas inaccessible during drydocking. This paper describes work conducted by the Civil Engineering Laboratory toward reaching this goal. BACKGROUND The first type of underwater-applicable coatings produced commercially were the high viscosity , epoxy-polyamide 1-4 formulations commonly called "splash-zone compounds." These products are based on a formulation of Shell Chemical 1,2 Co. The two differently colored components are thoroughly mixed before application at a thickness of 1/8 to in to damp or submerged surfaces. This is done most commonly by pressing with the palm of the hand or a glove against the substrate, but a fiberglass, burlap, or canvas backing can be used. Curing ordinarily occurs to a significant extent at temperatures above 60F (16C). The mixed resin is slightly soluble in water so that splash-zone compounds can be worked to give a smooth finish. This solubility also permits cleaning of equipment with water before curing occurs. The Navy has prepared a specification, MIL-P-28579(YD), on splash-zone compounds. It has been shown that a sandblasted surface was best for bonding of splashzone compounds to steel, but wirebrushing or cleaning with a needle gun may provide an adequate surface. More recently, several underwater brushable coatings have been developed, and marketed. Most of them are solvent-free

formulations, but some contain limited quantities of solvent such as n-butyl alcohol that are sufficiently water soluble to permit curing. They are usually epoxy products, but a few polyester and coal-tar epoxy formulations have been developed for underwater application. The polyester materials generally are easier to apply underwater than are the other generic types, but tend to be softer and more easily damaged.