Designation: D 2251 – 96 (Reapproved 2000)

Standard Test Method for

Metal Corrosion by Halogenated Organic
Solvents and Their Admixtures1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2251; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 5. Apparatus
1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the corrosive- 5.1 Flask—Erlenmeyer flask, borosilicate glass, 125-mL
ness to metals by halogenated organic solvents and their capacity, with a 24/40 standard-taper joint.
admixtures for cold cleaning applications. 5.2 Reflux Condenser—Condenser with a 24/40 standard-
taper joint, 650 mm in length.
NOTE 1—The test method described herein is an adaptation of Test
Method D 130. 5.3 Bath—Oil or water bath, for maintaining a temperature
slightly higher than the initial boiling point of the sample. A
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the support shall be provided to hold the flask upright.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 5.4 Thermometer—An ASTM High Distillation Thermom-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- eter having a range from 30 to 760°F and conforming to the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- requirements for Thermometer 8F or a range from − 2 to 400°C
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. conforming to the requirements for Thermometer 8C as pre-
2. Referenced Documents scribed in Specification E 1 or other thermometer of suitable
design and range.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 5.5 Test Tubes, 150 mm in length, 19 mm in diameter, with
D 130 Test Method for Detection of Copper Corrosion from standard-taper, ground-glass stopped.
Petroleum Products by the Copper Strip Tarnish Test2
D 235 Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits) 6. Materials
(Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent)3 6.1 Metal Strips—Strips of various metals about 1⁄2in. (12
E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers4 mm) in width and about 3 in. (76 mm) in length. A suggested
3. Summary of Test Method selection of metals includes copper, brass, aluminum, steel, and
galvanized iron. Other metals likely to be encountered may
3.1 Polished metal strips are immersed in a given quantity
also be used for this test.
of sample and heated at reflux temperature for 60 min. At the
6.2 Polishing Materials—Silicon carbide or alumina-grit
end of this period, the metal strips are removed and examined
paper of varying degrees of fineness including 240-grit silicon
for evidence of corrosion. Similar metal strips are immersed in
carbide paper or cloth; also a supply of 150-mesh silicon
a given quantity of sample in closed containers and held at
carbide grain and pharmaceutical-grade absorbent cotton.
room temperature for 10 days. At the end of this period, the
6.3 Cleaning Solvent—Noncorrosive mineral spirits, such
strips are removed and examined.
as Specification D 235 on hydrocarbon dry cleaning solvent.
4. Significance and Use
7. Preparation of Test Strips
4.1 These tests are to be used as a guide in selecting or
7.1 Surface Preparation—Remove all surface blemishes
eliminating certain solvents or grades of solvents used for
from both sides of the strip with silicon carbide or alumina-grit
cleaning or degreasing metal parts.
paper of such degree of fineness as needed to accomplish the
desired results efficiently. Finish with 240-grit silicon carbide
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D26 on paper, removing all marks that may have been made by other
Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is the direct grades of paper used previously. Immerse the strip in noncor-
responsibility of Subcommittee D26.04 on Test Methods. rosive mineral spirits, from which it may be withdrawn
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1996. Published June 1997. Originally
published as D 2251 – 64 T. Last previous edition D 2251 – 92.
immediately for final polishing, or in which it may be stored
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01. for future use.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.04.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 2251
7.2 Final Polishing—Remove a strip from the noncorrosive 8.4 Examination of Strip—At the end of the 10-day period,
mineral spirits. Handle only with stainless steel forceps; do not withdraw the strip with stainless steel forceps; blot dry with
touch with the fingers. Polish the main surfaces with silicon quantitative filter paper, and inspect for evidences of tarnish or
carbide grains on absorbent cotton. Rub in the direction of the corrosion by comparison with a similarly polished but untested
long axis of the strip, carrying the stroke beyond the end of the strip.
strip before reversing the direction. Clean all metal dust from
the strip by rubbing vigorously with clean pads of absorbent 9. Report
cotton until a fresh pad remains unsoiled. When the strip is 9.1 When only one metal is to be in contact with the solvent,
clean, immediately immerse it in the prepared sample. compare the effect of various solvents on the metal, and list the
solvents in order of merit, or as acceptable and not acceptable,
8. Procedure according to the requirements of the purchasing specification.
8.1 Place the polished metal strip in a clean Erlenmeyer 9.2 When a number of different metals are to be in contact
flask. Add sufficient sample to be tested to cover the strip with the solvent, prepare a separate list or grouping for each
completely. Add boiling beads, insert the reflux condenser, and metal involved, and add a statement to the effect that one or
heat the contents of the flask rapidly to boiling by immersing more solvents are or are not acceptable for all the metals
the flask in an oil or water bath at a temperature just high involved.
enough to cause gentle boiling. Keep the sample refluxing for
60 min. 10. Precision and Bias
8.2 Examination of Strip—Immediately withdraw the strip 10.1 Only visual observations required. It is not possible to
with stainless steel forceps; blot dry with quantitative filter determine a precision and bias statement.
paper; inspect for evidences of tarnish or corrosion by com-
parison with a similarly polished but untested strip. 11. Keywords
8.3 Place a polished metal strip in a clean test tube. Add 11.1 aluminum; brass; copper; corrosion; galvanized iron;
sufficient sample to cover the strip completely. Stopper the tube halogenated solvents; metal corrosion; mild steel; reflux test;
and allow to stand at room temperature for 10 days. ten-day storage test; visual observation

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