Laboratory “Corrosion of metals” at IMSETHAC “Acad. А. Balevski”- BAS is part of “Laboratory for materials analysis & testing and calibration of measuring facilities” (LMTC).
In the laboratory are carried out tests to determine the corrosion resistance of:
- ferrous and nonferrous metals and their alloys;
- nanomodified alloys and coatings;
- organic, nonorganic, metals and soll-gell coatings.
The analyzes are performed according to approved international standards for model and accelerated corrosion tests of:
- general corrosion – by gravimetric methods, change of the size and change of the appearance, degree of the affected surface;
- pitting corrosion – by characterizing the pitting (distribution, depth, weight loss);
- intercrystalline corrosion – corrosion test in a medium containing sulfuric acid;
- atmospheric corrosion – tests in artificial atmospheric conditions (in conditions of salt spray, humid heat, condensation) and determination of the quantity and size of the defects and the intensity of the changes of the appearance;
- gravimetric determination of the thickness of the zinc coating.
To carry out its activities, laboratory “Corrosion of Metals” has the necessary technical equipment and apparatus:
- Chamber for cyclic corrosion tests in artificial atmospheric conditions;
- Potentiostat / Galvanostat with electrochemical cell;
- Thermostats;
- Optical microscope with digital camera and software for image analysis;
- Analytical scales, pH-meter, ultrasonic bath, thermometers, laboratory glassware.
The chamber for cyclic corrosion tests in artificial atmospheric conditions and the potentiostat / galvanostat with electrochemical cell were delivered and put into operation under Project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0008 “National Center for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies”, funded by the Operational Program “Science and Education for Smart Growth” 2014-2020.
Chamber for cyclic corrosion tests in artificial atmospheric conditions Q-FOG CCT/1100 Q-LAB
Possibility for tests according to standards ISO 9227; ISO 6270-2, IEC 60068-2-52; IEC 60068-2-11; ASTM B117 to study the corrosion resistance of metallic materials and coatings.
- Working volume by closed lid 800-1200 liters;
- Environment Humidity to 95-100%;
- Cyclic tests settings with modes and parameters defined by the user;
- Built-in 120 liters reservoir for saline solution;
- Total load capacity of the chamber (total weight of the samples) over 500kg;
- Cyclic tests with setting and temperature control at relative humidity up to 100%;
- Mode control software.
Potentiostat / Galvanostat with electrochemical cellPGSTAT 204, METHROM AUTOLAB
- Current max: +/ – 400 mA;
- Possibility to add at least one additional module for impedance measurement and / or rotating disk electrode;
- Measuring cell set for corrosion tests – 1 liter, with Аg / AgCl reference electrode and stainless electrode;
- Software for management and recording of the dates.