PLASTIC FILM COATINGS FOR PROTECTION FROM MARINE 

 FOULING AND CORROSION 



Technical Report R-612 



YF 38.535.005.01.003 



by 



James S. Muraoka 



ABSTRACT 



Saran and polytetrafluoroethylene (TFE) films with a pressure-sensitive 

 adhesive were applied over the surfaces of painted and unpainted carbon steel 

 panels and unpainted stainless steel and K-Monel panels. These panels were 

 submerged in the sea to determine if the plastic film coverings can be effectively 

 used to (1) protect painted as well as unpainted metal specimens from fouling 

 and corrosion; (2) remove marine growth that becomes attached to the plastic 

 film simply by stripping off the covering; and (3) prolong the fouling-free and 

 corrosion-free intervals so as to decrease the total effort required for recondi- 

 tioning fouled or corroded surfaces. The saran- and TFE-covered panels were 

 exposed in the sea for 5 and 8.5 months, respectively. When retrieved, the 

 panels were completely covered with marine growth, including numerous 

 large barnacles. Generally, the plastic films protected the test panels from 

 fouling and corrosion. The marine growth could be removed rapidly by 

 stripping off the protective plastic covering. Crevice corrosion will occur 

 under the protective plastic film on susceptible metal panels, such as stainless 

 steel (type 302), when a small amount of seawater enters through ruptures. 



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