Biofouling is a significant operational and economic problem for the marine industry. It causes higher hydrodynamic drag on ships, faster corrosion on submerged equipment, and increased maintenance requirements. ASTM D5479 was developed to provide a standard and reproducible method for determining antifouling effectiveness under partial immersion, a typical exposure regime in harbors and coastal facilities. The standard provides for testing by manufacturers and consumers to assess the efficacy and long-term durability of protection coatings prior to large-scale application. Its procedure provides a basis for comparative testing between various formulations, resulting in optimal choice and lower environmental effects. Testing under the standard also facilitates compliance with environmental legislation that restricts the release of biocides into the environment from antifouling paints.
ASTM D5479 Test Method
| Panel Preparation | Coated test panels are prepared with marine coatings at uniform thickness, then conditioned before exposure. |
| Exposure Protocol | Panels are mounted on racks that are partially submerged in natural seawater for a set period, typically 90 days or longer. |
| Biofouling Assessment | Fouling is assessed by visual inspection and rating scales for percent coverage, species type, and adhesion strength. |
