Environmental protection of composites

                                
==Abstract==

The report of deliverable D2.3 includes all the results of the durability tests performed during the extensive experimental campaign. The most relevant laboratory tests to evaluate the environmental performance of the various solutions are listed below:
- Alternate and continuous immersion in salt solution (ISO 11130, ISO 2812)
- High Humidity Test (ISO 6270) - 500 hours at 40 °C and 98 % HR
- QUV accelerated weathering test (ISO 11507) - 1000 hours with cycles of 4 hours UV light / 4 hours of high humidity
- Climatic chamber with thermal cycles (-20°C / + 80°C)
- Adhesion tests: Cross Cut (ISO 2409) and Pull Off (ISO 4624) before and after each ageing test
- Gloss (ISO 2813) and Colorimetry (ISO 7724) measurements before and after each ageing test
- Observation of visual defects before and after each ageing test
- The effect on the texture on biofouling will be evaluated at coupon level in natural sea water basin
 
A dedicated Design of Experiments (DOE) will be built to optimize the number of samples to be tested. The durability will be evaluated for the following configurations:
- At least 2 paint references (from 2 suppliers or 2 different chemistries)
- At least 2 composite substrates (1 thermoset and 1 thermoplastic)
- Three types of application: adhesive paint film, in-mold application of paint film and stand      ard liquid paint application
- Three surfaces textures: flat surface and two fouling release textures
- Unprotected composite samples as a comparison