ASTM B380-97(2023)

Standard Test Method for Corrosion Testing of Decorative Electrodeposited Coatings by the Corrodkote Procedure

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Nickel/chromium and copper/nickel/chromium electrodeposited coatings are widely used for decorative and protective applications. The Corrodkote test provides a method of controlling the quality of electroplated articles and is suitable for manufacturing control, as well as research and development.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the Corrodkote2 method of evaluating the corrosion performance of copper/nickel/chromium and nickel/chromium coatings electrodeposited on steel, zinc alloys, aluminum alloys, plastics and other substrates.  
Note 1: The following ASTM standards are not requirements. They are reference for information only: Practice B537, Specification B456, Test Method B602, and Specification B604.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 25.220.40 - Metallic coatings
• ICS: 77.060 - Corrosion of metals
• Technical Committee: B08 - Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
• Drafting Committee: B08.10 - Test Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM B604-91(2019) - Standard Specification for Decorative Electroplated Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium on Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM B604-91(2015) - Standard Specification for Decorative Electroplated Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium on Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM B537-70(2013) - Standard Practice for Rating of Electroplated Panels Subjected to Atmospheric Exposure
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM B537-70(2012)e1 - Standard Practice for Rating of Electroplated Panels Subjected to Atmospheric Exposure
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM B117-11 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM B456-11e1 - Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus<br> Chromium and Nickel Plus Chromium
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM B456-11 - Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus<br> Chromium and Nickel Plus Chromium
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM B602-88(2010) - Standard Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010
• Refers: ASTM B456-03(2009) - Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium and Nickel Plus Chromium
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Refers: ASTM B117-09 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM B604-91(2008) - Standard Specification for Decorative Electroplated Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium on Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM B117-07a - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM B537-70(2007) - Standard Practice for Rating of Electroplated Panels Subjected to Atmospheric Exposure
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM B117-07 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006

Overview

ASTM B380-97(2023): Standard Test Method for Corrosion Testing of Decorative Electrodeposited Coatings by the Corrodkote Procedure is an important international standard developed by ASTM for assessing the corrosion resistance of decorative electrodeposited coatings. This test method is specifically designed for coatings composed of nickel/chromium and copper/nickel/chromium layers, which are widely used for both decorative and protective purposes in various industries. The Corrodkote procedure described in ASTM B380 is essential for manufacturers and researchers to evaluate and control the quality of electroplated articles applied to a wide range of substrates including steel, zinc alloys, aluminum alloys, plastics, and others.

Key Topics

• Corrosion Testing: The Corrodkote test provides a reproducible means to simulate corrosive environments and evaluate the durability of decorative electroplated coatings.
• Substrate Compatibility: The standard covers testing for multiple substrates such as steel, aluminum alloys, zinc alloys, and plastics, reflecting its broad applicability in manufacturing.
• Quality Control: It outlines steps for controlling the quality of electrodeposited finishes, making it suitable for manufacturing process control as well as research and development.
• Test Method Summary: The procedure involves applying a specified corrosive slurry to coated specimens, allowing it to dry, and then exposing the samples to high humidity. The test evaluates the performance of the coatings by observing corrosion development under these controlled conditions.
• Reporting Requirements: ASTM B380 specifies the required data for reporting, including test parameters such as temperature, humidity, sample details, exposure times, and inspection results.

Applications

Practical uses of ASTM B380 include:

• Manufacturing Control: Used as a routine quality control method in the production of automotive parts, consumer electronics, household fixtures, and architectural hardware. It ensures that decorative coatings meet required corrosion resistance standards.
• Product Development: In research and development, the Corrodkote procedure is vital for evaluating new coating formulations or processes, enabling improvements in product longevity and performance.
• Supplier and Buyer Specifications: Helps establish clear benchmarks when suppliers and buyers need to agree on corrosion resistance requirements for plated items.
• Process Optimization: The test provides feedback for adjusting plating process variables, helping manufacturers achieve consistent and high-performance decorative finishes.

Related Standards

For those utilizing ASTM B380-97(2023), the following related ASTM standards are commonly referenced for guidance or complementary procedures:

• ASTM B117: Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus - a widely used method for corrosion testing in controlled salt spray atmospheres.
• ASTM B456: Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium and Nickel Plus Chromium - details technical requirements for these coatings.
• ASTM B537: Practice for Rating of Electroplated Panels Subjected to Atmospheric Exposure - provides methods for evaluating and rating corrosion on coated panels.
• ASTM B602: Guide for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and Inorganic Coatings - offers guidance on sampling methods for coatings inspection.
• ASTM B604: Specification for Decorative Electroplated Coatings of Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium on Plastics.

These referenced standards, while not mandatory within the scope of ASTM B380, support comprehensive quality assurance efforts and are valuable for those seeking robust, internationally recognized corrosion testing procedures.

Keywords: corrosion testing, decorative electrodeposited coatings, Corrodkote test, ASTM B380, electroplated coatings, manufacturing quality control, nickel/chromium coatings, copper/nickel/chromium coatings, plating standards, corrosion resistance.

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: B380 − 97 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Corrosion Testing of Decorative Electrodeposited Coatings
by the Corrodkote Procedure
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B380; 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.
1. Scope B537 Practice for Rating of Electroplated Panels Subjected
2 to Atmospheric Exposure
1.1 This test method covers the Corrodkote method of
B602 Guide for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and Inor-
evaluating the corrosion performance of copper/nickel/
ganic Coatings
chromium and nickel/chromium coatings electrodeposited on
B604 Specification for Decorative Electroplated Coatings of
steel, zinc alloys, aluminum alloys, plastics and other sub-
Copper Plus Nickel Plus Chromium on Plastics
strates.
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
NOTE 1—The following ASTM standards are not requirements. They
are reference for information only: Practice B537, Specification B456,
3. Summary of Test Method
Test Method B602, and Specification B604.
3.1 The test is conducted by applying a slurry containing
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
corrosive salts to test specimens, allowing the slurry to dry, and
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
exposing the specimens coated with the slurry to a high relative
standard.
humidity for a specified period of time.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 Nickel/chromium and copper/nickel/chromium elec-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
trodeposited coatings are widely used for decorative and
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
protective applications. The Corrodkote test provides a method
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
of controlling the quality of electroplated articles and is
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
suitable for manufacturing control, as well as research and
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
development.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5. Apparatus
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 The apparatus shall consist of a humidity chamber,
specimen supports, provision for heating the chamber, and
2. Referenced Documents
provisions for air circulation in the chamber.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.2 Drops of moisture that might accumulate on the ceiling
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
or cover of the chamber of specimen supports shall not be
B456 Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Copper
permitted to fall on the specimens being tested.
Plus Nickel Plus Chromium and Nickel Plus Chromium
NOTE 2—Suitable apparatus may be constructed from salt-spray equip-
ment by eliminating fog-spray nozzles, substituting water for the salt
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on Metallic
solution in the reservoir, adding a manifold for bubbling air through the
and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B08.10 on
water in the reservoir, and adding a fan for circulating the air in the
Test Methods.
chamber with the fan discharge directed across the surface of the water in
The original work in developing the Corrodkote procedure was initiated by the
the reservoir.
American Electroplaters’ Society Research Committee, Project No. 15.
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally
5.3 Materials of construction shall not affect the corrosive-
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as B380 – 97(2018). DOI:
ness of the test.
10.1520/B0380-97R23.
Bigge, D. M., “Experience with the Use of the Corrodkote Test,” Proceedings,
6. Procedure
Am. Electroplaters’ Soc., Vol. 46, 1959, p. 149.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
6.1 Corrodkote Slurry—Prepare the Corrodkote slurry in a
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
glass beaker by dissolving 0.035 g of reagent grade cupric
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. nitrate (Cu(NO ) ·3H O), 0.165 g of ACS reagent grade ferric
3 2 2
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B380 − 97 (2023)
uniform temperature and humidity. The amount of air circulation in the
chloride (FeCl ·6H O), and 1.0 g of ACS reagent grade
3 2
chamber necessary to maintain these conditions must be determined for
ammonium chloride (NH Cl) in 50 mL of water conforming to
each chamber. An Abbeon certified hygrometer Model No. 167, or its
Specification D1193, Type IV. Stir 30 g of water-washed,
equivalent is a suitable instrument for measuring the relative humidity of
ceramic-grade kaolin into the solution. Mix the slurry thor-
the exposure zone of the humidity chamber.
oughly and allow it to stand for about 2 min so that the kaolin
6.7 Test Cycle—Exposure in the humidity chamber shall be
will become saturated. Mix the slurry thoroughly just before
continuous for periods up to 20 h. A single test period up to 20
using.
h shall be considered as one cycle. Continuous operation
6.1.1 An alternative method of preparing the Corrodkote
implies that the humidity chamber be closed and operated
slurry is as follows. Weigh out 2.5 g of cupric nitrate
continuously except for the short interruptions necessary to
(Cu(NO ) ·3H O), and dissolve and dilute with distilled water
3 2 2
place or remove test specimens. Operations shall be so sched-
in a volumetric flask to exactly 500 mL. Weigh out 2.50 g of
uled that these interruptions are held to a minimum. When
ferric chloride (FeCl ·6H O), and dissolve and dilute with
3 2
distilled water in a second volumetric flask to exactly 500 mL. more than one test cycle of 20 h or less is specified, the test
specimen shall be treated as outlined in 6.9 after each test
(The ferric chloride solution shall be kept in a dark place and
stoppered with a rubber or glass stopper when not in use.) (The cycle. Fresh slurry shall be applied for each succeeding cycle.
ferric chloride solution shall not
...