The industrial materials often meet the chemical agents, which may lead to swelling, corrosion, cracking, discolouration, or loss of mechanical strength. The chemical resistance testing is a controlled way of evaluating the behaviour of materials to such exposure over time. Such tests are used to predict the behaviour of materials, prevent early failures, and enable safe operation by using laboratory conditions that simulate the conditions of the service.
Purpose of Chemical Resistance Testing
The main aim of the chemical resistance testing is to ascertain the compatibility of materials with chemical conditions. The tests determine the mechanisms of degradation, assess the physical and mechanical property changes, and can be used to determine safe operating limits in materials in chemical contact operations.
Common Chemical Resistance Test Methods
Tests of chemical resistance usually deal with the exposure of materials to specific chemicals during specified periods of time and at certain temperatures. Changes in mass, dimensions, appearance, hardness, and strength are determined after exposure. In the case of coatings, the surface tests that are typically conducted to determine the damage and loss of adhesion are spot tests and immersion tests.
Materials Commonly Evaluated
The chemical resistance testing is used on polymers, elastomers, coatings, metals, composites, and building materials. Pipes, liners, tanks, flooring systems, and protective coatings are often tested to provide evidence of suitability to chemical service environments.
