RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

 Fouling Accumulation 



The saran-covered panels were retrieved from the sea after 5 months 

 of continuous exposure and the TFE-covered panels after 8.5 months. The 

 saran and TFE films were in very good condition when recovered. Probably 

 these films could be left in the sea for many additional months to serve as 

 protective coatings. The saran-covered test panels and the TFE-covered test 

 panels (Figures 4 and 5) were completely encrusted with marine growth. 

 The fouling accumulation was composed mostly of hydroids, bryozoans, 

 barnacles, tubeworms, and mussels. 



There was an average of 75 barnacles securely attached to the surface 

 of each of the eight TFE-covered panels. The barnacles and tubeworms were 

 covered and hidden among dense growths of hydroids and bryozoans. The 

 average wet weight of fouling accumulation, including barnacles and mussel 

 shells, was about 700 grams per panel ( 1 square foot). 



Figure 4. Biological growth over K-Monel steel panels. 



