Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine what types of spray coated metals are desirable for inhibiting iron dissolution in marine environments as a countermeasure against biofilm formation. Experiments were conducted in a closed-loop system in which water continually circulates from a basal water tank through a transparent column where test specimens are immersed. The water flows through an open-air channel on its return to the tank where it is exposed to ambient bacteria. Steel and stainless steel substrates were prepared by plasma and HVOF spraying and, in some cases, a silicon-based sealant was applied. Test specimens were placed in the biofilm reactor and taken out and examined after 5 to 10 days. Substrate surfaces and corrosion products were analyzed by optical microscopy, x-ray diffraction, 3D surface profiling, and low-pressure SEM. Detailed results are presented and discussed in the paper.
