Understanding the Basics of Salt Spray Test: An Overview of ASTM B117

 

The ASTM B117 standard specifies the equipment for Salt Spray Testing, specimen preparation, test conditions, duration, and evaluation of test results. Salt Spray Testing can provide important reference information for product design and material selection to ensure that products have sufficient durability and reliability in corrosive environments.

 

 

1. Test Conditions:

This standard specifies the test conditions for Salt Spray Testing such as temperature, humidity, and salt spray concentration. In general, the test temperature is 35°C, humidity is 95% relative humidity, and salt spray concentration is 5% sodium chloride solution.

 

2. Test sample preparation:

The test samples can be metallic materials, coating materials, coating systems or other related materials. Before testing, the samples need to be properly cleaned and treated to ensure that the surface is free of grease, oxides, impurities, etc.

 

3. Test procedure:

In a salt spray test chamber, the test specimen is placed in a specific test chamber or test box and a salt spray environment is generated by a spraying device. The test time can last from a few hours to thousands of hours as required.

 

4. Evaluation Criteria:

Based on the degree of corrosion and damage to the sample observed during the test, the corrosion performance of the sample may be evaluated using visual assessment, weight change, or other criteria.

 

The ASTM B117 standard states that the purpose of Salt Spray Testing is to evaluate a material's resistance to salt spray corrosion and does not directly infer corrosion resistance in an actual use environment. However, the test method is a commonly used standard test method, can be used to compare the salt spray corrosion resistance of different materials, to guide the selection and improvement of materials.

 

It is important to note that Salt Spray Testing is only one method in environmental testing, and the results may be affected by a variety of factors, such as the type of material, surface treatment and coating type. Therefore, in practical applications, it is necessary to combine other environmental tests and practical use experience to fully evaluate the corrosion resistance of materials.