EFFECT OF BOTTOM SEDIMENT CONTAINING HYDROGEN SULFIDE ON MATERIALS - 

 PART I 



Technical Note N-1263 



YF 54.543.007.01.001 



by 



James S. Muraoka 



ABSTRACT 



Plastic, synthetic ropes, natural fiber ropes, electrical cable 

 insulations, and a wood panel were partially exposed in the black, 

 bottom sediment of Port Hueneme Harbor to determine the effect of 

 hydrogen sulfide on materials. After one year of exposure, the 

 materials were recovered and examined for fouling and biodeterioration. 

 In addition, hardness and moisture absorption tests were conducted on 

 the plastic panels while tensile strength tests were conducted on rope 

 specimens. Significant changes in hardness and moisture absorption 

 were registered by nylon and phenolic laminate plastics. Decrease 

 in tensile strength was experienced by all of the synthetic rope 

 specimens. The natural rope specimens were totally destroyed by 

 marine organisms. The wood panel was riddled by marine borers. 



