Three-Point Bending Test for Mechanical Characterization of Commercial Antifouling Coating Deposited on DH36 Steel Plate

ABS Grade DH36 is a low carbon steel commonly used for many structural applications, such as in the marine industry and shipbuilding where cost-effectiveness and high yield strength are required. Despite its excellent mechanical characteristics, the use of DH36 steel in marine environment leads to rapid rust formation and biofouling phenomena with significant economic losses, making it necessary to protect the exposed surfaces. Therefore, the need to find a solution to this problem has promoted the search for suitable paints and protective coatings. In this regard, the development of more sustainable solutions to environmental concerns has focused on the use of increasingly less toxic materials. Based on previous works on coatings characterization, this contribution deals with the mechanical characterization of a commercial anti-fouling, consisting of three layers (primer, tie-coat and top-coat) deposited on DH36 steel plates, observing the deposited layers behaviour with the three points bending test.