WORLDWIDE

ENGINEERING Test Procedure GMW15288

STANDARDS

Scab Corrosion Creepback of Paint Systems on Metal Substrates

1 Scope
Note: Nothing in this standard supercedes applicable laws and regulations.
Note: In the event of conflict between the English and domestic language, the English language shall take
precedence.
1.1 Purpose. This test method outlines the procedure to be followed when evaluating scab corrosion
resistance on painted metal substrates such as steel, zinc coated steel, and aluminum. Scab corrosion is the
loss of paint adhesion and corrosion of the base metal which results in the distortion or upheaval of the paint
film.
1.2 Foreword. Not applicable.
1.3 Applicability. Painted metal substrates such as steel, zinc coated steel, and aluminum.

2 References
Note: Only the latest approved standards are applicable unless otherwise specified.
2.1 External Standards/Specifications.
None
2.2 GM Standards/Specifications.
GMW3286 GMW15282

3 Resources
3.1 Facilities.
3.1.1 Calibration. The test facilities and equipment shall be in good working order and shall have a valid
calibration label.
3.1.2 Alternatives. Alternative test facilities and equipment may also be used. However, all measuring
variables as specified in this standard shall be determined correctly with respect to their physical definition.
3.2 Equipment.
3.2.1 Humidity Cabinet. The apparatus for the humid stage shall have the ability to maintain the following
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environmental conditions:
 Temperature: 60 °C ± 2 °C
 Humidity: 85% ± 3% relative humidity (RH)
3.2.2 Thickness Measuring Device. Electrical film thickness measuring device.
3.2.3 Test Solution and Container. A plastic reservoir (open at the top) of 5% sodium chloride solution (per
GMW3286) used for test sample immersion.
3.2.4 Test Panel/Parts Mounting Rack. Non-metallic racks for test samples.
3.2.5 Scribe Equipment. Refer to GMW15282 for equipment necessary.
3.3 Test Vehicle/Test Piece. Not applicable.

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3.4 Test Time.

Calendar time: 28 days
Test hours: 672 hours
Coordination hours: 1 to 2 hours
3.5 Test Required Information. Not applicable.
3.6 Personnel/Skills. Not applicable.

4 Procedure
4.1 Preparation. When this specification appears on an engineering drawing, actual parts coated with the
representative paint system shall be used. Visually examine the painted surface and record any adverse
conditions such as sags, solvent pops, or scratches.
4.1.1 Film Thickness. Measure paint film thickness in multiple locations with three measurements minimum
on each part/panel and record the average film thickness in micrometers (m) for potential use in future
analysis.
4.1.2 Scribe Installation. Scribe the test panel/parts as specified in GMW15282. Length and number of
scribes to be determined based on part size and test requestor.
4.1.3 Panel/Part Mounting. Place the test panel/parts with the scribed mark in horizontal position on a
suitable nonmetallic rack.
4.1.4 Test Duration. Expose the panels/parts for 20 cycles unless otherwise specified in the material
specification.
4.2 Conditions.
4.2.1 Environmental Conditions. Not applicable.
4.2.2 Test Conditions. Deviations from the requirements of this standard shall have been agreed upon. Such
requirements shall be specified on component drawings, test certificates, reports, etc.
4.3 Instructions.
4.3.1 Monday.
4.3.1.1 Hold the samples at 60 °C ± 2 °C for 1 h in air-circulating oven.
4.3.1.2 Transfer the samples to cold cabinet at a temperature of -25 °C ± 2 °C and hold for 30 minutes.
4.3.1.3 Transfer the samples to 5% sodium chloride solution at ambient conditions, immersing for 15 minutes.
4.3.1.4 Take samples out of sodium chloride solution and hold at ambient conditions for 1 h, 15 minutes.
4.3.1.5 Transfer the samples to humidity cabinet; holding for 21 h (Monday only).
4.3.2 Tuesday through Friday.
4.3.2.1 Transfer the samples to 5% sodium chloride solution at ambient conditions, immersing for 15 minutes.
4.3.2.2 Take samples out of sodium chloride solution and hold at ambient conditions for 1 h, 15 minutes.
4.3.2.3 Transfer the samples to humidity cabinet; hold for 22 h, 30 minutes 85% ± 3% RH at 60 °C ± 2 °C.
4.3.3 Saturday and Sunday.
4.3.3.1 Samples shall remain in humidity cabinet over the weekend.
Note: The exposure sequence described above from Monday to Monday constitutes five cycles.
4.3.4 Test Panel/Part Rinse. After completion of the last cycle, remove the test panels from the cabinet and
immediately rinse with warm water.
4.3.5 Test Panel/Part Examination.
4.3.6 Scribe Creepback Measurement. Unless otherwise stated on the specification or drawing, evaluate
scribe line creepback by measuring the distance between the unaffected paint surfaces on each side of the
scribe line. The summation of the maximum left hand side creepback measurement and maximum right hand
side creepback measurement is defined as the documented scribe creepback performance. This technique is
referred to as zero to peak + zero to peak and is illustrated in GMW15282, Appendix C.

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 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW15288

5 Data
5.1 Calculations. Scribe creepback measurement is illustrated in GMW15282, Appendix C.
5.2 Interpretation of Results. Acceptance criteria shall be specified on the engineering drawing or in the
material specification.
5.3 Test Documentation. At a minimum, document maximum scribe creepback. In addition scribe creepback
measurements in standard increments along the scribe line may be taken in order to establish an individual
sample average. An example of scribe creepback evaluation and example data documentation sheet is shown
in GMW15282, Appendix D. In addition, visually examine the samples for failures such as corrosion and loss of
adhesion or blistering. Document results next to the creepback measurement.

6 Safety
This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not propose to
address all the safety problems 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.

7 Notes
7.1 Glossary. Not applicable.
7.2 Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Symbols.
RH Relative Humidity

8 Coding System
This standard shall be referenced in other documents, drawings, etc., as follows:
Test to GMW15288

9 Release and Revisions

This standard was originated in April 2006. It was first approved by the Global Laboratory Corrosion Testing
Harmonization Team in October 2006. It was first published in March 2007.

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Issue Publication Date Description (Organization)
1 MAR 2007 Initial publication.
2 SEP 2008 4.3.1.5 changed 2 h to 21 h. (Global Laboratory Corrosion Testing
Harmonization Team)
3 JUL 2013 Five year refresh of standard. Modified 4.1.1 (defined film thickness parameters
and units); 4.3.1.3, 4.3.1.4, 4.3.2.1 and 4.3.2.2 (changed “room temperature” to
“ambient conditions”). (Corrosion Subsystem Leadership Team)

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