ASTM Atmospheric Corrosion Testing: 1906 to 1976

In the early fall of 1976 ASTM Committee G-1 on Corrosion of Metals exposed more than 40 ferrous and nonferrous sheet materials at five test locations. These exposures are a part of the third 20-year atmospheric test program generated by ASTM corrosion groups since 1932. Metals include new alloys, tempers, and coatings developed since the initiation of the last program.

Exposures have triplicate exposed panels for removal periods of 2, 5, 10, and 20 years at test sites at Kure Beach, North Carolina, 24-m (80-ft) lot; Newark-Kearny, New Jersey; Point Reyes, California; State College, Pennsylvania; and Panama Canal Zone.

Ten metal suppliers are participating in this new long-term test program. Among the metals exposed are aluminum, copper, lead, magnesium, nickel, stainless steel, titanium, and zinc alloys. Aluminized and galvanized coated steels are also being tested.

Evaluation of these materials includes weight loss (corrosion rates), pitting depth, and changes in mechanical properties.

One task group is monitoring weather conditions at the sites and another group is calibrating the site corrosivities through periodical short-term (1 and 2 year) exposures of steel and zinc panels during the course of the 20-year tests.