Present techniques for coating inspection depend on the judgment of a skilled person but also are subject to human error, qualitative assessments, and inconsistency. What is desired is an improved inspection methodology that minimizes error, offers quantitative measures of coating efficacy to develop clear, and an economical asset maintenance plan. This paper details the process performed to evaluate novel Acoustic Wave Spectroscopy (AWS) technology as a large area non-destructive method for the inspection and assessment of protective coatings. Test panels were subjected to accelerated testing to induce stresses and create defects in the coating film, which were then examined using both AWS and traditional inspection methods. Findings from visual and microscopic analysis, adhesion tests, and Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were compared with the defects detected by AWS. The data shows a significant correlation between visual and microscopic defects using both AWS and conventional inspection techniques. There was also a notable correlation for blistering and a general agreement in the detection of defects. The results suggest that AWS could be used for fast, precise, and comprehensive inspections of coating systems.
