An Improved Exfoliation Test for Aluminum Alloys

A new rapid test capable of producing exfoliation in susceptible aluminum alloys within a few days has been developed. This test is useful in studies of corrosion control and alloy development. Most significant is the excellent correlation of this laboratory test with exposures to natural marine environments. It is noteworthy also that the test procedure is applicable to all types of wrought aluminum alloys. Test conditions involve cyclic exposure to acidified sodium chloride solution and to high relative humidity in a cabinet held at 95 F (35 C). This test is preferable to other laboratory procedures not only because of its speed but also because it produces readily visible exfoliation, does not require extensive specimen preparation and is not restrictive as to specimen size.