Behavior of Materials in a Subsurface Ocean Environment

Abstract : Information is presented on the deterioration in sea water of materials and undersea-system components, based on published and unpublished studies, and on authoritative opinions. The items chosen for evaluation are primarily those likely to be used in deep-ocean structure and systems. Materials included are metals, plastics and composites, ceramics, paper, natural fibers; components included are photographic materials, magnetic tape, electronic components, and propellants and explosives. Marine corrosion of metals is represented in the form of an annotated bibliography; the remaining entries consist of summaries of material and component behavior coupled with pertinent bibliographies. The form and scope of these summaries run from comprehensive evaluations in the areas of plastics and propellants to relatively brief opinions of authorities for items of lesser marine utility or occurrence.