Standard Guide for Measurement of Thin Chromium Coatings by Spot Test

SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the use of the spot test for the measurement of thicknesses of electrodeposited chromium coatings over nickel and stainless steel with an accuracy of about ±20 % (Section 9). It is applicable to thicknesses up to 1.2 μm.
Note 1—Although this test can be used for coating thicknesses up to 1.2 μm, there is evidence that the results obtained by this method are high at thicknesses greater than 0.5 μm. In addition, for coating thicknesses above 0.5 μm, it is advisable to use a double drop of acid to prevent depletion of the test solution before completion of the test.
1.2 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.

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22-Feb-1990
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ASTM B556-90(2002) - Standard Guide for Measurement of Thin Chromium Coatings by Spot Test
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:B556–90(Reapproved 2002)
Standard Guide for
Measurement of Thin Chromium Coatings by Spot Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 556; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This guide covers the use of the spot test for the 4.1 The thickness of a decorative chromium coating is often
measurement of thicknesses of electrodeposited chromium critical to its performance.
coatings over nickel and stainless steel with an accuracy of 4.2 This procedure is useful for an approximate determina-
about 620 % (Section 9). It is applicable to thicknesses up to tion when the best possible accuracy is not required. For more
1.2 µm. reliable determinations, the following methods are available:
Methods B 504, B 568, and B 588.
NOTE 1—Although this test can be used for coating thicknesses up to
4.3 This test assumes that the rate of dissolution of the
1.2 µm, there is evidence that the results obtained by this method are high
chromium by the hydrochloric acid under the specified condi-
at thicknesses greater than 0.5 µm. In addition, for coating thicknesses
tions is always the same.
above 0.5 µm, it is advisable to use a double drop of acid to prevent
depletion of the test solution before completion of the test.
5. Test Solutions
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 For chromium on nickel the test solution is reagent
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
grade hydrochloric acid having a specific gravity at 16°C of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.180 6 0.002. (This corresponds to 11.5 N 6 0.2 N, which
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
may be checked by titration.) For chromium on stainless steel
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the test solution is 20 g/L of antimony trioxide dissolved in
2. Referenced Documents
reagent grade hydrochloric acid having a specific gravity at
16°C of 1.160.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B 504 Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Me-
NOTE 2—As received, reagent grade hydrochloric acid is normally
tallic Coatings by the Coulometric Method more concentrated than 11.5 N.
B 568 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness
4 6. Preparation of Test Area
by X-Ray Spectrometry
B 588 Test Method for Measurement ofThickness ofTrans- 6.1 The test area must be free of foreign material. Clean by
parent or Opaque Coatings by Double-Beam Interference rubbing the test area with a paste of magnesium oxide, rinse it,
Microscope Technique and dry it with a clean cloth or filter paper. Draw a ring with a
diameter of about 6 mm on the test area with melted paraffin or
3. Summary of Guide
with a wax pencil.
3.1 A drop of hydrochloric acid (test solution) is deposited
7. Procedure
on the surface of the test specimen, and the time required for
the hydrochloric acid to penetrate through the chromium 7.1 Let the test specimen, the test solution, and the dropper
coating (penetration time) is measured. The coating thickness stand long enough to reach room temperature, which should be
is proportional to this time. between 16 and 25°C. Temperatures up to 30°C are permis-
sible, but the measurements become less reliable at the higher
temperatures because of increasing sensitivity to temperature.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on Metallic and
Thin test specimens should be set on a heavy metal plate to
Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B08.10 on
avoid a rapid change in temperature which could be produced
General Test Methods.
in such specimens by the heat of reaction.
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