Cyclic Corrosion Testing

Neutral Salt Spray Testing

Neutral salt spray (NSS) testing has been used for over sixty years to evaluate corrosion performance. The testing was
originally utilized for testing painted automotive body panels, however over time, its application has expanded to include
other surface finishes and base materials. The primary criticism of NSS testing is that it is a static test, whereas there is
the lack of correlation to service conditions, or even vehicle testing.

The Benefits of Cyclic Corrosion Testing

Cyclic corrosion testing simulates actual environmental conditions by alternating exposure to salt spray, humidity, heat,
and cold. Studies have been conducted on the correlation of specific laboratory cyclic test schedules to field exposure.
Even though the accelerated test will never duplicate actual atmospheric conditions, the correlation between cyclic
corrosion testing and environmental exposure is a significant improvement over NSS testing.

OEM Acceptance of Cyclic Corrosion Testing

Most OEMs have adopted cyclic corrosion testing in addition to NSS testing. Additionally, each OEM has developed its
own version. Some of the more common cyclic corrosion tests are provided in the chart below.

Laboratory Cyclic Corrosion Test Schedules*

Ford Dust Salt Immersion Drain & Dry Humidity
APG Koalin; 1x only 23ºC;15 min. 23ºC; 3 hrs. 50ºC, 85% - 90% RH
20 hrs., 45 min.

General Motors Salt Mist Application Humidity Dry

GM9540P 4x 8 hours 50ºC, 95% RH; 8 hours 60ºC, 25% RH; 8 hrs.

Honda Humidity Salt Spray Dry Humidity

40ºC, 95% RH; 2 hrs. 35ºC; 2 hrs. 60ºC; 1 hr. 50ºC, 95% RH; 6 hrs.

Dry Humidity Dry Dry

60ºC; 2 hrs. 50ºC, 95% RH; 6 hrs. 60ºC; 2 hrs. 20ºC; 3 hrs.

Nissan Salt Spraying Dry Moistening

CCT-I 35ºC; 4 hrs. 60ºC, <30% RH; 2 hrs. 50ºC, 95% RH; 2 hrs.

Toyota Salt Spray Dry Humidity Chill Dry

35ºC; 8 hrs. 70ºC; 2 hrs. 50ºC, 95% RH; 2 hrs. -20ºC; 2 hrs. RT; 10 hrs.

SAE J2334 Humidity Salt Application Dry

50ºC, 100% RH; 6 hrs. 25ºC, 15 min. 60ºC, 50% RH; 17 hrs., 45 min.

VDA Salt Mist (DIN 50021 SS) Humidity (DIN 50017 KFW) Dry, Room Temp. (DIN 50014-23/15-2)
VDA 621-415 24 hrs. 4 x 24 hrs. 2 x 24 hrs.

Volkswagen Salt Mist (DIN 50021 SS) Dry (DIN 50014-23/15-2) Humidity (DIN 50017 KK)
VW PV 1210 4 hours 4 hours 16 hrs.
Sequence is repeated 5 times and then: Dry, Room Temp. (DIN 50014-23/15-2) for 48 hrs.

Volvo Salt Application Humidity Dry

STD 10.27, 1375 1 hr. 35ºC, 90% RH; 7 hrs. 35ºC, 45% RH; 12 hrs.
(VICT)
Scania
STD 4233

* Refer to each OEM standard for details and other test options.

AMERICAS Enthone Inc. • 350 Frontage Road, West Haven, CT 06516 USA • Tel: 203-934-8611 • Fax: 203-799-1513
ASIA Cookson Electronics Ltd. – Enthone • 1/F, Block A, 21 Tung Yuen Street, Yau Tong Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong • Tel: 852-2499-7299 • Fax: 852-2415-2225
EUROPE Enthone GmbH • Elisabeth-Selbert-Straβe 4, 40764 Langenfeld, Germany • Tel: 49-2173-8490-0 • Fax: 49-2173-8490-200

Issued: 08/06
Supersedes: New
2006, Enthone Inc.
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