Definition - What does salt spray testing mean?
The salt spray test is an accelerated corrosion test used to measure the relative corrosion resistance of materials exposed to salt spray or spray at elevated temperatures.
This corrosion test is intended to provide information on the corrosion resistance of metals and coated metals. Visual inspection can determine whether coatings, paints and metals are resistant to corrosion or exposure to marine environments.
Salt spray test is also known as ASTM B117 and fogging test.
Corrosion Explained Salt Spray Testing
In the salt spray test, the sample is placed in a closed salt spray test cabinet or Test Chamber that meets ASTM B117 specifications, and is subjected to uninterrupted indirect atomization or saline solution spray. This environment was maintained throughout the test. The cabinet structure, test procedures and test parameters are standardized according to national and international standards such as ASTM B117 and ISO 9227.
Temperature maintained at 95°F (+34°F to 35°F) (35°C (+1.1°C to 1.7°C)), pH range 6.5 to 7.2, salt atmosphere 5 parts sodium chloride to 95 parts ASTM D1193 Type IV water, introduced into the chamber at a specified air pressure. This test does not determine the duration of exposure.
The ASTM B117 salt spray test standard is widely used to measure normal corrosion resistance to seawater type environments. The test duration depends on the specification or corrosion resistance of the material.
Salt spray testing is used for :
Correlates corrosion resistance of various metals or finishes
Measuring propensity to corrode when scratching metal or coated surfaces
Determining Coating Adhesion and Corrosion Creep
Evaluation of corrosion resistance in marine environments (humidity, temperature, salt spray)
Salt spray testing is popular because it is well standardized and repeatable. Salt spray testing is widely used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of parts or finished surfaces in the following areas:
industry
Marines
Automobile industry
aircraft and military equipment
