ASTM G48-11(2015)

4.1 These test methods describe laboratory tests for comparing the resistance of stainless steels and related alloys to the initiation of pitting and crevice corrosion. The results may be used for ranking alloys in order of increasing resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion initiation under the specific conditions of these methods. Methods A and B are designed to cause the breakdown of Type 304 at room temperature.

4.2 The use of ferric chloride solutions is justified because it is related to, but not the same as, that within a pit or crevice site on a ferrous alloy in chloride bearing environments 4.3 The relative performance of alloys in ferric chloride solution tests has been correlated to performance in certain real environments, such as natural seawater at ambient temperature 4.4 Methods A, B, C, D, E, and F can be used to rank the relative resistance of stainless steels and nickel base alloys to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments. No statement can be made about resistance of alloys in environments that do not contain chlorides.

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for the determination of the resistance of stainless steels and related alloys to pitting and crevice corrosion (see Terminology G15) when exposed to oxidizing chloride environments. Six procedures are described and identified as Methods A, B, C, D, E, and F.

1.2 Method A is designed to determine the relative pitting resistance of stainless steels and nickel-base, chromium-bearing alloys, whereas Method B can be used for determining both the pitting and crevice corrosion resistance of these alloys. Methods C, D, E and F allow for a ranking of alloys by minimum (critical) temperature to cause initiation of pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion, respectively, of stainless steels, nickel-base and chromium-bearing alloys in a standard ferric chloride solution.

1.3 These tests may be used to determine the effects of alloying additives, heat treatment, and surface finishes on pitting and crevice corrosion resistance.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Other units are given in parentheses for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.