Document ID:	MIL-STD-202       Scroll down to access document images
Spec/Std Sheet:	101

Overview

Title:  Method 101, Salt Atmosphere (Corrosion) Scope:  The salt atmosphere test, in which specimens are subjected to a fine mist of salt solution, has several useful purposes when utilized with full recognition of its deficiencies and limitations. Originally proposed as an accelerated laboratory corrosion test simulating the effects of seacoast atmospheres on metals, with or without protective coatings, this test has been erroneously considered by many as an all-purpose accelerated corrosion test, which if "withstood successfully" will guarantee that metals or protective coatings will prove satisfactory under any corrosive condition. Experience has since shown that there is seldom a direct relationship between resistance to salt atmosphere corrosion and resistance to corrosion in other media, even in so-called "marine" atmospheres and seawater. However, some idea of the relative service life and behavior of different samples of the same (or closely related) metals or of protective coating-base metal combinations in marine and exposed seacoast locations can be gained by means of the salt atmosphere test, provided accumulated data from correlated field service tests and laboratory salt atmosphere tests show that such a relationship does exist, as in the case of aluminum alloys. (Such correlation tests are also necessary to show the degree of acceleration, if any, produced by the laboratory test). The salt atmosphere test is generally considered unreliable for comparing the general corrosion resistance of different kinds of metals or coating-metal combinations, or for predicting their comparative service life. The salt atmosphere test has received its widest acceptance as a test for evaluating the uniformity (specifically, thickness and degree of porosity) of protective coatings, metallic and nonmetallic, and has served this purpose with varying amounts of success. In this connection, the test is useful for evaluating different lots of the same product, once some standard level of performance has been established. The s... Status:  Active Document Date:  23-OCT-2024         Next Review Due:  22-OCT-2029 FSC/Area:  59GP Doc Category:   Military Standard -Test Method Standard

Responsibilities

Lead Standardization Activity:  CC  DLA Land and Maritime     Preparing Activity: CC  DLA Land and Maritime Coordination:  Full   Army Custodian:  CR   US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, C5ISR Center   Navy Custodian:  EC   Naval Information Warfare Systems Command   Air Force Custodian:  85   Air Force Life Cycle Management Center - Electronic Components, Wire and Ca   DLA Custodian:  CC   DLA Land and Maritime

Changes to military standards or handbooks issued after August 1, 2003 are incorporated in the modified document.

Revision History

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