SUMMARY 



This investigation was to determine the technical suitability of 

 various materials for use in oil spill containment booms. Containment 

 boom material requirements were defined and weighted in terms of their 

 relative importance and standard test procedures for use in evaluating 

 each requirement were identified. The investigation was directed at 

 synthetic, coated fabrics. A discussion of fabric weaving techniques and 

 methods for applying coatings is included. Information on the properties 

 of available fibers and coatings is presented and those exhibiting the 

 most promising characteristics identified. Some of the coated fabrics 

 currently being used in containment booms and other material composed 

 of promising fabrics and coatings were examined in terms of the require- 

 ments previously defined for containment booms. 



As a result of this investigation it is concluded that: 



(1) The properties required in boom material apply to all booms 

 intended for in-harbor use although the value of certain mechanical pro- 

 perties such as break strength are dependent on boom design. 



(2) Mechanical properties of break strength, elongation, flexibility, 

 and tear strength are functions of the woven fabric substrate, whereas 



the physical and chemical resistive properties are primarily a function of 

 the coating material. 



(3) Fabric weaving techniques as well as the inherent properties 

 of the yarn determine the mechanical characteristics of the fabric. 



(4) The lamination method of coating fabrics is not as desirable 

 for containment boom use as the knife edge, dip or calendering methods. 



(5) A coating material that does not require plasticizers generally 

 will retain its properties longer than one that does. 



(6) Polyester is the most promising substrate material, followed 

 by nylon. Chlorosulf onated polyethylene, polyurethane with a polyether 

 base, chlorinated polyethylene, and poly(vinyl chloride) formulated with 

 ultraviolet inhibitors are the most promising coating materials. 



(7) The great number of variations in material properties afforded 

 by changes in coating formulations, weaving techniques, and processing 

 methods makes it impossible to identify one substrate and coating combina- 

 tion as the best for use in containment boom. 



(8) Standard test procedures do not exist for all of the defined 

 material requirements; and even for properties where adequate test methods 

 exist, sufficient data are not available on candidate materials to permit 

 a quantitative evaluation using the weighted requirements. Where test 



