Data from NPL rheometer testing of 25 mm black plastic discs. Sandpaper roughness and marine fouling exposures with fatty acid (FA) and bromolein (Br) additives in PMMA coating

In this study a miniaturised benchtop rotating disc method is described that uses test discs 25 mm in diameter. A highly sensitive analytical rheometer is used to measure the torque acting on the discs rotating in water. Model rough surfaces were prepared by attaching different grades of sandpaper to the disc surface. Discs with experimental antifouling coatings applied were exposed in the marine environment for the accumulation of microbial fouling, and the rotor was capable of detecting the increased drag due to biofilm formation. The drag due to biofilm was related to an equivalent sand roughness height.