Corrosion Testing
Corrosion, which is commonly defined as the deterioration of a material or its properties because of a reaction with its environment, is a global problem [1]. The type of material and the environmental conditions, especially the gases in contact with the material, determine the form and rate of deterioration. For alloys, the most common form of corrosion is electrochemical corrosion. This corrosion occurs when an alloy is exposed to an electrolyte solution. For example, mild steels can crack accidentally when exposed to alkaline solutions. More corrosion-resistant stainless steels can be attacked along grain boundaries in acidic environments. These phenomena can cause significant economic damage in a variety of fields, and extensive efforts are needed to limit their effects.
Corrosion testing of alloys is essential to evaluate their performance in specific environments and to determine their resistance to different types of corrosion. The results of corrosion testing can help engineers select the most appropriate alloy for a given application, design corrosion-resistant structures, and develop corrosion protection strategies. If you're looking for reliable corrosion testing services for your alloys, Alfa Chemistry is your top choice. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
Our Testing Methods
Our testing methods include, but are not limited to the following.
- Salt Spray Testing
Salt spray testing is a standardized and popular corrosion test method for checking the corrosion resistance of test materials at elevated temperatures. The tested alloy specimens are polished, cleaned, and passivated to expose to a salt-containing spray at a certain temperature. In a typical salt spray test, a testing period typically lasts between 200-1000 hours and a standardized solution of 5% sodium chloride (NaCl) is usually used to create a highly corrosive atmosphere.
- Immersion Testing
Immersion testing is used to determine the resistance of materials to an aggressive, aqueous environment. This test is the most commonly used method to evaluate the corrosion susceptibility of alloys. During immersion testing, a sample of material is weighed and exposed to the corrosive environment. After 24-72 hours, the sample is weighed again, and the weight loss is used to determine the degree of corrosion.
- Electrochemical Corrosion Testing
Electrochemical corrosion testing is a relatively rapid technique for estimating the corrosion response of materials exposed to a specific environment [2]. The response of the material in terms of potential and current gives an indication of the corrosion behavior. This method involves immersing the alloy in an electrolyte solution and measuring its electrochemical properties, such as corrosion potential and corrosion current density.
Figure 1. Schematic diagram of electrochemical corrosion testing [3].
- Crevice Corrosion Testing
Crevice corrosion is a form of localized corrosion, which refers to the attack of a metal or alloy surface by a stagnant solution in a crevice. This type of corrosion is common under washers, around nuts and bolts, etc. Crevice corrosion testing evaluates the crevice corrosion resistance of the alloy.
Why Choose Us
- Expertise: Alfa Chemistry has a team of experienced professionals who specialize in corrosion testing. They have extensive knowledge and experience in testing various alloys for corrosion resistance, and can provide accurate and reliable results.
- Method Diversity: Alfa Chemistry uses different methods to evaluate the corrosion degree of alloys, including but not limited to salt spray testing, immersion testing, electrochemical corrosion testing, and crevice corrosion testing. This allows customers to choose the testing method that best suits their needs.
- Timely Results: Alfa Chemical understands that it is critical to deliver results on time during corrosion testing. We strive to deliver timely results to our customers without compromising accuracy.
In summary, Alfa Chemistry's corrosion testing services offer a combination of expertise, comprehensive services, and timely results. These factors make us a good choice for those seeking corrosion testing services.
References
- Umoren, S. A.; et al. Basic concepts of corrosion. Polymeric Materials in Corrosion Inhibition. 2022: 83-102.
- Smith, C. B.; et al. Case study of aluminum 5083-H116 alloy. Friction Stir Processing for Enhanced Low Temperature Formability. 2014: 19-124.
- Qi, X.; et al. Electrochemical migration behavior of Sn-based lead-free solder. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics. 2019, 30: 14695-14702.