Aging test able to reproduce the corrosion of metallic materials and painted metals, simulating the saline environment in static and cyclic tests.
Corrosion of metals and painted metal components is a very common effect derived from the position in which the component is located and the environment to which it is possibly exposed.
Corrosion tests simulate environments where there is a salt concentration, such as seashores, cliffs and even boats.
Depending on the material tested, red or white corrosion may occur; components with high quantities of Iron will show more red corrosion, while Galvanized materials, i.e. components treated with zinc plating just to protect the ferrous metal, could show white corrosion.
In the case of red corrosion, iron oxides are created, the common rust, while zinc oxides are white.
The laboratory is able to perform neutral salt spray (NSS) tests according to ISO 9227 and ASTM B117 standards and cupro-saline-acetic spray (CASS) according to ISO 9227 standard for which it is accredited in addition to acetic salt spray (AASS) and cyclical salt spray, with alternating conditions of humid heat and salt spray.
The duration of the tests is closely related to the use of the component in real life, tests can be performed with a duration of approximately 24 to 1000 hours.
The laboratory has two salt spray chambers available, one of 1200 L and one of 400 L, which is a great advantage considering that one chamber is used for tests in neutral salt spray and the other for acetic and cupro-acetic salt spray , allowing for the simultaneous testing of two conditions; they are also positioned in a special room to avoid unwanted corrosive effects on samples or external equipment.
