SUSCEPTIBILITY OF MATRIX CONSTITUENTS OF ANTIFOULING PAINTS TO MICROBIAL ATTACK IN SEA WATER

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Abstract
The rate of loss of the matrix constituents of antifouling paints used on ship bottoms affects the liberation of the toxic substance that prevents fouling. To obtain evidence on the influence of paint composition on antifouling properties of paints, the rate of decomposition and loss in weight of some matrix constituents in sea water was determined. Determinations of each material were made periodically during 6 months. Relative abundance of bacteria in sea water in which the specimens were exposed did not correlate with specimen decomposability. Determinations of oxygen consumption as an index of microbial attack and of weight losses were both similar, and reflected the rate of decomposition. Ester gum and Pentalyn compounds did not decompose. Phenolic resins decomposed slowly, but more rapidly at first than on prolonged exposure. Alkyd resin was relatively resistant but decomposed slowly. Paraffin decomposed slowly at first but rapidly after being kept in sea water for several weeks. Rosins decomposed rapidly from the start. Since the rates of decomposition of some matrix materials were not the same on initial and prolonged exposure in sea water, results obtained during short test periods are not dependable criteria of susceptibility of the materials to microbial attack.

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