SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1965
STP43745S

An Appraisal of Evaluation Tests for Stainless Steel Automotive Trim

Source

Within the past few years the automotive industry and the steel producers have been experimenting with a variety of stainless steels for automotive trim exposed to corrosion by road-deicing salts. Several new laboratory tests have been developed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of these steels. In the present study the results of six evaluation tests are tested statistically for significant correlation with the results of service tests conducted on automobiles.

The Dip-and-Dry Test and the Thermographic Test each showed a significant correlation with service-test results. The CASS Test and Spot Test are believed to be effective in detecting surface depletion of chromium, a condition causing poor corrosion resistance. The CASS Test did not, however, predict service performance where there was no surface depletion of chromium. The Ferric Chloride Immersion Test did not have a significant correlation with service. It was, however, extremely sensitive to different surface-finishing operations and may have some merit as a quality control test for a finishing operation. The Corrodkote Test showed no merit for predicting service performance of stainless steel automotive trim.

The absence of any really good correlations with service should lend a note of caution against the extensive use of these evaluation tests. It points to the need for more reliable tests for the evaluation of stainless steel for automotive trim.

Author Information

Bates, J., F.
Applied Research Laboratory, United States Steel Corporation, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Phelps, E., H.
Applied Research Laboratory, United States Steel Corporation, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: A01
Pages: 200–208
DOI: 10.1520/STP43745S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-6001-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-6155-9