This test method is designed to provide a laboratory procedure to measure changes in the release rates of solvent soluble tin (tributyl- and triphenyltin) that occur during a period of immersion under specified conditions of constant temperature, pH, salinity, and low heavy-metal concentrations in the surrounding sea water. Quantitative measurement of the release rate is necessary to help in selection of materials, in providing quality assurance, and in understanding the performance mechanism.

This test method serves only as a guide for organotin release rates in service. Organotin release rates of antifouling (AF) paint systems in service can vary over the life of the coating system depending on the formulation and the environment. Differences in berthing locations, operating schedules, length of service, condition of paint-film surface, temperature, pH, and salinity can affect results, Results obtained may not necessarily reflect actual tributyltin release rates that will occur in service, but provide reliable comparisons of the release rate characteristics of different antifouling formulations.

This test method will serve to characterize the early release rate pattern, as well as estimate the steady state release, of tributyltin from both self-polishing copolymer and free-association antifouling paints.