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Test background:
The ASTM B 368 test method is used to determine corrosion resistance of various aluminum alloys. It is also used for testing chromium plating on zinc and steel die castings. It was developed specifically for testing decorative electrodeposited coatings of nickel/chromium and copper/nickel/chromium. Uses include research and development, specification acceptance, manufacturing control of product or process, and simulated service evaluations.
Test description:
A standard ASTM B 117 salt solution of 5 parts (by weight) of salt to 95 parts water is prepared. Reagent grade copper chloride dihydrate is then added at a rate of 1 gram to 4 litres of salt solution. The solution is mixed and atomized in a cabinet maintained 120° F (49° C). Fog is collected and tested, and the salt-copper solution is adjusted to a pH of 3.1 to 3.3 by adding reagent grade glacial acetic acid.
Sample preparation and placement:
The cut edges of samples that are multilayered, coated, or plated are coated so as to not cause edge corrosion. When ready for the test cabinet, metallic and metallic coated samples are cleaned with an appropriate cleaning or solvent solution. Organic and other samples with nonmetallic coatings are not cleaned.
Samples are typically placed at a 15 degree angle from vertical, however components for aerospace or automotive are generally oriented in the "as used" position. In some cases such as automotive parts that are normally facing downward, the part may be rotated 180 degrees to test the surface of interest. Samples are located so they don’t touch and the condensate from one sample does not drip onto another sample.
Test time and inspections:
Test time ranges from 24 to thousands of hours, usually in 24 hour increments. Typical exposure lengths in hours are: 6, 12, 22, 48, 96, 192, 240, 504, and 720. One option is to use multiple panels/samples, pulling one set out at every specified time period. Another option is to evaluate/photograph the panels/samples at each specified interval, and return them to the test cabinet for the total test time.
We can recommend a test length, and also an inspection frequency.
Additional related tests and analysis:
In addition to ASTM B368, Touchstone performs other corrosion testing such as salt spray and SO2 testing. We can also conduct tests to third party specifications in the aerospace, military, or automotive areas.
Consulting on corrosion problems is also available. Our light microscopy, metallography, and mechanical testing laboratories can provide a full suite of tests to support your material characterization program.
Index of Accelerated Life Testing
Reference: ASTM B368 – Standard Method for Copper Accelerated Acetic Acid Salt Spray (Fog) Testing (CASS Test) |
