An accurate and reliable performance evaluation technique is indispensable for the development of marine antifouling coatings. The existing standard practice is however, based on the visual observation of biofouling settlement area, which is prone to the subjective judgment of the inspector. In spite of the above mentioned importance, a systematic and objective fouling evaluation technique has not yet been introduced. In this study, a novel quantitative antifouling performance evaluation method for marine antifouling paints is devised based on the image analysis of panel immersion test results. The present image analysis method is to quantify settlement area for each fouling category by distinctive color. The fouling categories are set as unfouled, biofilm, green algae, brown algae, calcareous animal and spongy animal with specific HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) color ranges. In order to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method, static immersion tests for three antifouling coatings were undertaken for two years.
[1]
R. Townsin.
The Ship Hull Fouling Penalty
,
2003,
Biofouling.
[2]
Michael P. Schultz,et al.
Frictional Resistance of Antifouling Coating Systems
,
2004
.
[3]
T. Diamantino,et al.
Marine paints: The particular case of antifouling paints
,
2007
.
[4]
M A Champ,et al.
A review of organotin regulatory strategies, pending actions, related costs and benefits.
,
2000,
The Science of the total environment.
[5]
J. Callow,et al.
Adhesion and motility of fouling diatoms on a silicone elastomer
,
2004,
Biofouling.
[6]
M. Schultz.
Effects of coating roughness and biofouling on ship resistance and powering
,
2007,
Biofouling.
[7]
Eraldo Ribeiro,et al.
Laboratory screening of coating libraries for algal adhesion
,
2007,
Biofouling.
[8]
Frank C. Walsh,et al.
Modern approaches to marine antifouling coatings
,
2006
.