Figure 32. Rubber and plasHc electrical tape wrappings over 

 plastic rods and tubes. 



The plastic electrical tape wrappings were neither damaged by the effects of 

 the deep sea environment nor by any biological activity, although there was some 

 hydroid growth over them. When the tape was removed from several plastic rods, 

 it still had good adhesive quality and was In good condition. 



When the rubber and plastic tape wrappings containing small wood pieces 

 (Figure 33) were cut and the enclosed wood removed and examined, the wood was 

 found to be in excellent condition. Although the wood wrapped under the rubber 

 tape was completely dry, the wood wrapped under the plastic tape was saturated 

 with water. 



0. 015-Inch Insulation on No. 16 Wire . There was some hydroid growth over 

 the straight and also over the coiled wire specimens (Figure 34). In the laboratory 

 the Insulations were examined under a microscope for signs of any deterioration. 

 The silicone rubber insulation was damaged slightly by the nibbling and biting action 

 of some marine organisms, but the other Insulations, such as neoprene. Government 

 rubber styrene, polyvinyl chlorides and polyethylene, were not damaged. The 

 silicone rubber cement used to cover the ends of the wire specimens was not damaged. 

 Electrical tests, such as insulation resistance and voltage breakdown, were conducted 

 on these wire specimens. The results of the electrical tests are presented in Table 9. 



39 



