New methods and materials are constantly being evaluated by the Navy in an effort to provide better corrosion protection to topside equipment from harsh marine environments. The purpose of this investigation is to study several new coating systems using atmospheric exposure field tests, salt fog (American Society Testing and Materials (ASTM) B 117-85 standard) testing, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and shipboard exposure tests. The ultimate goals are to find improved coating systems and techniques to facilitate corrosion control of topside systems. This paper will focus on the study of the former using the methods listed above. Finally, the results obtained will be correlated to choose the best coating available for protecting topside systems or equipment located in the weather.
Key Word: antennas, coatings, corrosion control, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) , field tests, marine atmspheric exposure, salt fog exposure, seawater wetdown spray, shipboard exposure, steel A-242 alloy, topside systems