Table 5 summarizes the effectiveness of TFE and saran film in 

 protecting carbon steel, stainless steel, and K-Monel panels from marine 

 fouling and corrosion. Table 6 compares the weight lost by TFE-protected 

 and control panels as a result of corrosion after 8.5 months of exposure. The 

 weight loss due to corrosion of saran-protected carbon steel panel (unpainted) 

 was about identical to that of TFE-protected test panels. 



Because the application of the thin plastic films over test surfaces is 

 difficult, a specially designed dispenser is needed to apply the plastic film 

 over large surface areas smoothly, quickly, and efficiently. The film should 

 be applied without producing air pockets underneath the plastic films. 



COST ESTIMATES 



It is estimated that the cost of labor for applying the plastic film 

 over a clean, flat 1 -square- foot area would be about $0.25/hr. This assumes 

 that the plastic film can be placed over the 1 -square- foot area in about 3 

 minutes and that, including overhead, the labor cost is about $4.80/hr. 



The total cost of application, including labor and materials, would 

 be as follows: 



1. $0.50/sq ft for saran film 

 $0.25 (labor) + $0.25 (materials) 



2. $3. 00/sq ft for TFE skived film 

 $0.25 (labor) + $2.75 (materials) 



3. $2.75/sq ft for TFE, glass-fiber film 

 $0.25 (labor) + $2.50 (materials) 



By comparison the cost of labor (sandblasting and application of 

 paint) and materials for applying an effective paint system over carbon steel 

 is estimated to be about $0.83/sq ft. 9 



FUTURE WORK 



This present study on strippable plastic films as protective coatings 

 over various test panels exposed at Point Mugu pier has been completed. 

 Aluminum (6061-T6) and several plastic panels have been covered with the 

 plastic films for evaluation and secured to STU I-5 for a 6-month exposure 

 test at a depth of 6,000 feet off the coast of Port Hueneme. In the future, 

 certain selected oceanographic instrument packages will also be covered 

 with these plastic films prior to submergence in the sea, primarily for fouling 

 protection. 



14 



