Evaluation of antifouling coating performance with commercial and lemon natural biocide on composite fiberglass surface

Abstract

Marine growth is a common problem for a near coastal marine vessel including composite fiberglass boat. Natural antifouling coating for composite fiberglass hulls towards efficient, cleanliness, sustainability and greener oceans are crucial especially in near coastal area. Antifouling performance of commercial and natural lemon biocide were analyzed by referring to ASTM 3623 - 78a for 30 days in seawater. Both commercial and natural biocide coating shows no marine growth occur within 30days of immersion due to good interaction between biocide and gelcoat. Natural biocide with 6% concentration observed similar performance as 4% commercial biocide, thus it shows lemon has a great potential of lemon as new natural biocide in marine antifouling paint.