After seven months submersed in seawater, we are starting to see the advantages of copper alloys over other metals used in marine environments:

1) Shotley Marina – the 1st eight specimens from right to left and 4th and 5th from left to right highlight the anti fouling properties of copper based alloys.

It is interesting to note that the two Titanium specimens (7th and 8th from left to right) have the greatest sea life growth with a colony of Sea Squirts making home there. It is clear to see no marine growth on the copper alloy samples.

Clear evidence – copper alloys repelling Sea Squirt growth and creating a window effect – bottom left and bottom right.

2) Also, the rack from the sewerage works (see below) shows some specimens as bright as they were when they were originally immersed. Unsurprisingly these alloys are only the Aluminium Bronze, Cupro-Nickels and Monels. Everything else has been compromised.

Marine life growth on a range of metal bars over 8 months of submersion. Note copper alloy samples on bottom left and bottom right showing virtually no sea growth.

Much more to follow – coming up: the accelerated corrosion trials, which will finally give engineers a comprehensive ranking of corrosion resistant materials.