Reply To: coating for cork float

[aquasonic]

DAVID wrote:

would the test change IF the cork was subjected to air at times rather than kept under the surface.

The results would change if intermittent drying times were introduced. What destroys floats are tiny microorganisms that attack the cork such as bacteria and fungi. The microorganisms can’t survive when immersed in gasoline, but will attack the unprotected cork when it’s exposed to air.

I like to use the analogy of an unprotected piece of wood getting wet, then drying out time after time. After some time, the wood becomes punky. Totally immersed wood lasts longer than wood that is regularly exposed to wetting and drying. I have seen southern yellow pine construction piles that have been under water for upwards of 100 years, that are in excellent condition.

Improvise-Adapt-Overcome