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-----Corrosion Electrolyte
Q. Sir,
I understand that the best way to test the corrosion property of a material is by studying it under sea water (3.5% NaCl). Why is this method most suitable though it is a neutral salt solution?
SSN College of engineering - Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2003
A. If you're planning to use the material under the sea, then that would be an ideal way of testing it. I do suspect you are referring to a Salt Spray Test, where the material is kept in a warm moist salt laden atmosphere. Which is a common corrosion test. It is often used as a benchmark for relative corrosion resistance. Salt is used to provide a good level of conductivity in the electrolyte, which aids the process of corrosion. It should be borne in mind that corrosion behavior is highly related to the environment and conditions of use.
Ian Brookeuniversity - Glasgow, Scotland
2003
Q. Hello TED,
I have been waiting for the reply. Kindly let me know the fate of my query.
- CHENNAI, India
2003
Your inquiry was answered quite a while ago, Dr. Gayathri. Implied in the answer was a request for clarification. People don't like to misunderstand a question and then prattle on, because the effort they put into their reply may be wasted.
But assuming again that you are asking about the neutral salt spray test, it is an accelerated corrosion test conducted in a test chamber built and operated according toASTM B117. It is widely used because it is widely used. That is, it may not be a great test but it is a well-known and well-accepted one. There are many other accelerated tests including CASS, Corrodkote, etc.
Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
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