WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA - ASTM announced plans to issue a Standard Test Method for Copper Release Rates of Antifouling Coating Systems in Seawater, given the designation D 6442. The standard addresses the laboratory determination of the release rate of copper from antifouling coatings in synthetic seawater, and is being developed by ASTM Subcommittee D01.45 on Marine Coatings, a part of Committee D-1 on Paints and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications.

The standard is designed to regulate the amount of copper entering the marine environment, due to identification of copper in antifouling coatings as the source of a discharge that could have negative environmental effects. Elizabeth Haslbeck, chairman of the subcommittee developing the standard, noted that the International Maritime Organization is considering a worldwide ban on organo-tin coatings, which could lead to greater reliance on copper-containing coatings in marine applications. Haslbeck also said release-rate methods will be needed in the future for organic biocides that are being developed for antifouling coatings.

Comments or questions can be sent to Haslbeck at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division-Code 641, Bldg. 60, 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817-5700; phone 301/227.4784; fax 301/227.4789; e-mail haslbeckeg@nswccd.navy.mil.

Separately, ASTM has issued Standard E 2022, Practice for Calculation of Weighting Factors for Tristimulus Integration, developed by Subcommittee E12.04 on Color and Appearance Analysis. The standard provides a method designed to yield uniformity of calculations used in making, matching or controlling the color of objects. ASTM standards can be obtained by calling 610/832.9585, or visiting the Web site www.astm.org. More technical information on Standard E 2022 is available from Danny Rich, Sun Chemical Corp., phone 201/933.4500, extension 1144; e-mail richd@sunchem.com.

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