Cathodic Disbondment Testing

Cathodic Disbondment Testing is used to evaluate the long-term performance of

barrier coatings (such as paint, epoxy etc.) used to protect metal pipe going into
underground applications.

Cathodic delamination can be defined as the destruction of adhesion between a

coating and the coated surface, caused by products of a corrosion reaction.

This basically means the coating delaminates or lifts and separates from the
substrate, even though it exhibits good adhesion prior to exposure service
conditions.

Experience in the oil and gas industry has clearly shown that coatings with better
cathodic disbondment resistance (less disbondment), have better corrosion
resistance and greater longevity. Cathodic disbondment is often selected as the
key performance test for adhesion, as it simulates field conditions for disbonding
of a coating from a pipeline. Some of the test methods can also use applied to
coated rebar. Here are a few examples of standards we can test for:

ASTM G8 Involves having the pipe samples immersed in electrolyte at

ambient conditions, common anode placed in electrolyte for all
samples

ASTM G42 Is the same as G8, except the pipeline coating samples are
subjected to elevated temperatures

ASTM G80 Is the same as G8, except that no options for variables are
presented

ASTM G95 Is an attached cell method, a plastic cell is attached to the

coated panel or pipe, filled with electrolyte, CP applied with
individual fretted tube anode.
In Canada, the CSA standards call up these same methods, with the exception
that they also provide pass/fail criteria. The electrolyte is a mixture of various
salts including NaCl, KCl and sodium bicarbonate, depending on the test method.

ACCELERATED LIFE TESTING

Cathodic Disbondment Testing (ASTM G 80 and

ASTM G 95)
For a prompt reply and quotation on any test, e-mail info@trl.com or call 304-547-5800.
This method is used to evaluate the long-term performance of barrier coatings used to protect metal pipe
used in underground applications. The test consists of placing a test specimen coated with the candidate
material in series with a magnesium anode as part of a galvanic cell. The electrolyte is a mixture of various
salts including NaCl, KCl, and sodium bicarbonate.

Prior to placement in the electrolyte the coating is intentionally damaged (holiday) in one or more locations
to provide a site where edge corrosion may occur. The sample is then allowed to remain in the electrolyte
for 30 days after which time the edges of the holiday(s) are evaluated to determine the extent of
disbondment.