screened from among many by DTNSRDC was 2,4 ,5 ,6-tetrachlorosiophthalo- 

 nitrile, known commercially as Nopcoclde N-96TM. It has been formulated 

 into a neoprene base for making successful antifouling coatings and struc- 

 tural rubbers. Its use should be acceptable by regulatory agencies as 

 many environmental tests have been performed on Nopcocide N-96 for other 

 uses. Cost, availability, and environmental impact should not be a problem. 

 However, further development is required to produce acceptable formulations 

 for extended use and to determine their influence on the corrosion of 

 various metals. 



Nontoxic Paint s, The development of paints that repel sessile animals and 

 paints formulated without toxic chemicals has been the goal of many 

 biologists,"" However, physically repelling surfaces that are practicable 

 have not yet been disclosed. 



Recommended Coatings 



Cuprous Oxide Paints . Copper^base paints are recommended for use only in the absence of aluminum 

 parts and structures in an OTEC plant. Copper ions will accelerate corrosion of most marine aluminum 

 alloys; this precludes the use of any copper antifouling paints in their presence. 



The Navy vinyl antifouling paint. Formula 121, MIL-P-15931 , is rec- 

 ommended as the standard coating for all steel and other metal 

 surf aces, °^*"'^ The paint is available at reasonable cost as a Government 

 compositional specification item which precludes ingredient substitutes. 

 Commercial cuprous oxide paints are also available and may be acceptable, 

 but their performance must be verified and should be compared to the 

 Government specification paint. Pure cuprous oxide paint can be handled 

 by painters and maintenance personnel with a minimal amount of protection. 

 The paint is packaged in conventional cans and used, as well as stored, 

 like any other paint. Proprietary compositions of cuprous oxide paint are 



TM 



Diamond Shamrock Company, Incorporated, 



34 



