ASTM D1611-12(2019)

Standard Test Method for Corrosion Produced by Leather in Contact with Metal

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The procedure is primarily intended to evaluate chrome leather intended for use in hydraulic systems under circumstances where metal corrosion is a serious factor. A high relative humidity is used for the purpose of accelerating the results.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the qualitative and quantitative determination of corrosion produced by leather in contact with metal. This test method does not apply to wet blue.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2019
• ICS: 59.140.30 - Leather and furs
• Technical Committee: D31 - Leather
• Drafting Committee: D31.01 - Vegetable Leather

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1611-12 - Standard Test Method for Corrosion Produced by Leather in Contact with Metal
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D91-02(2017) - Standard Test Method for Precipitation Number of Lubricating Oils
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D91-02(2012)e1 - Standard Test Method for Precipitation Number of Lubricating Oils
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D91-02(2012) - Standard Test Method for Precipitation Number of Lubricating Oils
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D91-02(2007)e1 - Standard Test Method for Precipitation Number of Lubricating Oils
• Effective Date: 01-May-2007
• Refers: ASTM D91-02(2007) - Standard Test Method for Precipitation Number of Lubricating Oils
• Effective Date: 01-May-2007
• Refers: ASTM D91-02 - Standard Test Method for Precipitation Number of Lubricating Oils
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2002

Overview

ASTM D1611-12(2019) is a standard test method developed by ASTM International for assessing the corrosion that leather may produce when in direct contact with metal surfaces. This method is particularly crucial for evaluating chrome leather intended for use in environments, such as hydraulic systems, where metal corrosion poses significant operational risks. By employing controlled, high-humidity conditions, the test accelerates the inspection process, providing both qualitative and quantitative results to determine the extent of corrosion or staining generated by the leather. This standard does not apply to wet blue leather and is recognized as a vital tool by industries focused on the integration of leather and metal components.

Key Topics

• Test Method Scope

  • Qualitative and quantitative assessment of corrosion on metal surfaces in contact with leather.
  • Excludes wet blue leather from analysis.
  • Uses inch-pound units as standard measurements.

• Corrosion and Staining Definitions

  • Corrosion: Any irreversible alteration to the metal surface, such as pitting, erosion, or permanent film discoloration.
  • Staining: Temporary discoloration due to minor reactions, removable without surface damage.

• Testing Procedure

  • Leather specimens and metal plates are conditioned and exposed to high relative humidity (90-95%) at a specified temperature (73.5 ± 2°F).
  • Contact is maintained under specific loading for 14 days to simulate accelerated conditions.
  • Visual inspection and mass change measurements are used for evaluation.

• Reporting Requirements

  • Leather classified as noncorrosive, causing staining, incipient corrosion, or corrosion.
  • Quantitative analysis includes counting pit marks, measuring corrosion area, and calculating mass changes per contact area.

• Safety and Compliance

  • Users must uphold applicable safety, health, and environmental regulations during testing.
  • Developed in accordance with international standardization principles recognized by the WTO TBT Committee.

Applications

The ASTM D1611 standard is widely adopted in industries where leather components may come into sustained contact with vital metal parts. Its practical applications include:

• Hydraulic Systems: Helps manufacturers and maintenance teams assess the compatibility of chrome leather seals and gaskets in fluid power equipment, preventing corrosion in sensitive hydraulic components.
• Automotive and Aerospace Sectors: Guides quality assurance processes for leather elements installed near or in contact with metallic structures, ensuring reliability and longevity of both materials.
• Industrial Machinery: Assists in the selection and validation of leather used in machinery where metal-leather interfaces could lead to operational failures due to corrosion.
• Leather Goods Manufacturing: Supports the development of products such as tool belts, cases, or saddles, where metal fittings must remain uncorroded through contact with treated leather.

Related Standards

For comprehensive evaluation and best practices, the following standards are often referenced alongside ASTM D1611-12(2019):

• ASTM D91 - Standard Test Method for Precipitation Number of Lubricating Oils: Used for reagent specification in the corrosion test.
• MIL-H-6083 - Military Specification for Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum Base: Specifies the noncorrosive oil employed in the procedure.
• Other ASTM Leather Testing Standards: Related procedures for assessing leather properties and their effects on materials in direct contact.

Keywords: metal corrosion, leather corrosion test, ASTM D1611, chrome leather, hydraulic systems, leather-metal compatibility, corrosion evaluation, industrial standards, material testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D1611 − 12 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Corrosion Produced by Leather in Contact with Metal
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1611; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the qualitative and quantitative 3.1 Definitions:
determination of corrosion produced by leather in contact with
3.1.1 corrosion—a modification of the metal surface in
metal. This test method does not apply to wet blue.
contact with a leather specimen, evidenced by visible pitting
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded and erosion of the metal surface or by a change in mass of the
as the standard. metal tested in comparison with a blank determination. Any
permanent discoloration in film form on the specimen (metal)
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
that does not readily buff off with a nonabrasive cloth shall be
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- calledincipientcorrosion,whileanyvisiblepittingofthemetal
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- surface or formation of a layer of reaction products on the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
metalsurfaceshallbeconsideredascorrosion.Inthelattercase
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
and for quantitative purposes, the corrosion level should be
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- assessed by determination of the mass changes which occur in
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the metal panel.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.2 staining—a discoloration of the metal surface after
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
contact with a leather specimen, which discoloration is caused
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
by minor amounts of leather—metal interreaction products
formedonthemetalsurface.Suchstainsshouldreadilybuffoff
2. Referenced Documents
the metal surface without permanent marring of its surface
2.1 ASTM Standards:
appearance.
D91 Test Method for Precipitation Number of Lubricating
Oils
4. Summary of Test Method
2.2 Military Standard:
4.1 A conditioned piece of leather and two plates of the
MIL-H-6083 (latest revision) Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum
same metal are dipped in a noncorrosive oil and drained to the
Base, for Preservation and Operation
drippoint.Theyarestackedtogetherunderaloadof25 65lbf
(111 6 22 N) and placed in a desiccator containing a relative
humidity of 90 to 95 % at 73.5 6 2°F (23 6 1°C) for a period
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D31 on Leather
of 14 days. For quantitative purposes, the metal plates are
and is the direct responsibility of D31.01 on Vegetable Leather. This test method
was developed in cooperation with theAmerican Leather ChemistsAssn. (Standard weighed before and after the test.
Method E52-1961).
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
5. Significance and Use
approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D1611–12. DOI:
10.1520/D1611-12R19.
2 5.1 The procedure is primarily intended to evaluate chrome
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM leather intended for use in hydraulic systems under circum-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
stances where metal corrosion is a serious factor. A high
the ASTM website.
3 relative humidity is used for the purpose of accelerating the
AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS. results.
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D1611 − 12 (2019)
6. Apparatus specimen.Then close the desiccator and hold the specimen and
plates at 90 to 95 % relative humidity at 73.5 6 2°F (23 6
6.1 Desiccator, containing a saturated solution of ammo-
1°C) for a period of 14 days.
nium dihydrogen phosphate.
4 9.4 At the end of 14 days, inspect the surfaces of the plates
6.2 Four Plates of the Metal to Be Tested —The surface
that were in contact with the leather specimen and compare
roughness should be 8 to 20 µin (203 to 508 nm) rms finish.
them with the control plates. To facilitate inspection and
They should be approximately 2 by 4 in. (51 by 102 mm) and
evaluation, the plates may be washed with precipitation naph-
of uniform thickness.
tha
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