Corrosion of Biofouled Ferrous Metals in Tropical Waters

Abstract

The study is aimed on the selection of various structural materials like mild steel, galvanised iron, stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 410 for ocean engineering applications. Results of one year exposure of these metals to the free attack of marine corrosion and fouling at the Cochin Harbour (9"58'N, 76"16'E) are presented. The corrosion rates of metals after one year exposure were 103, 129.3, 6.3, 43.68 microns year1 for CS, GI, SS 304 and 410 respectively. The carbon steel and galvanised iron were free from pitting and perforations occurred on stainless steel. The fouling load varied considerably with the metals. A maximum load of 20.7 kg nv2 were observed on stainless steel panels during this period but on continuous exposure the fouling load decreased. Statistical equations were derived with which the fouling load on harbour structures could be predicted