WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — ASTM issued an invitation to any interested parties to provide input in the development of standards for chemical antifouling coatings applied to ship exteriors to control marine-life growth.

ASTM Subcommittee D01.45 on Marine Coatings is developing standards for determination of biocide release rates and is introducing revised methods for field evaluation of antifouling coatings, the organization said. Subcommittee Chairman Elizabeth Haslbeck of the Naval Surface Warfare Center noted that antifouling-coatings technology is “in a state of transition” due to worldwide pressures to reduce or eliminate the use of organotin compounds.

To participate in the standard-development process or for more information, contact Haslbeck at 301/227.4784, e-mail haslbeckeg@nswccd.navy.mil, or Tim Brooke, ASTM, at 610/832.9729, e-mail tbrooke@astm.org.

ASTM also issued announcements regarding several studies of coatings and related materials by various subcommittees of Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications.

More information on these and other activities can be obtained from ASTM at 610/832.9500,website www.astm.org.