Abstract
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.
