ASTM D3310 Corrosivity Testing for Adhesive Materials
The ASTM D3310 test method is used to determine if a cured or uncured adhesive substance is corrosive to metal. It is a standard test method for identifying materials that show obvious signs of corrosion.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D3310 provides a standardized method for determining whether an adhesive material is corrosive to metals. Certain adhesive formulations, particularly those containing acidic or alkaline components, reactive curing agents, or corrosive solvents, can cause corrosion of metal substrates or hardware components in bonded assemblies. This is especially important in aerospace, electronics, and automotive applications where metal fasteners, inserts, or substrates are bonded in close proximity to the adhesive.
The test involves placing metal specimens (typically copper, steel, or aluminum) in direct contact with the adhesive under specified conditions of temperature and time. After exposure, the metal specimens are examined for evidence of corrosion, staining, or surface attack. Results are reported as pass or fail based on the degree of observed corrosion, and this data is used to qualify adhesives for use in contact with specific metals.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D3359 defines procedures for assessing coating adhesion using cross-cut or X-cut methods followed by tape removal. It provides a qualitative rating based on the amount of coating removed.
- Applicable to painted or coated surfaces on metals and rigid substrates
- Includes Method A (X-cut) and Method B (cross-cut lattice)
- Uses pressure-sensitive adhesive tape for evaluation
- Provides classification ratings for adhesion performance
- Suitable for field and laboratory testing
- Supports quality control and coating inspection
- Helps identify adhesion failures and coating defects
Applications
- Aerospace structural adhesive qualification
- Automotive bonded metal assemblies
- Electronic component adhesive bonding
- Military and defense equipment adhesives
- Medical device bonded metal components
- Industrial equipment maintenance adhesives
- Adhesive qualification for hardware inserts and fasteners
Benefits
- Prevents adhesive-induced metal corrosion in assemblies
- Supports adhesive-metal compatibility qualification
- Reduces risk of corrosion-related failures in service
- Enables informed adhesive selection for metal bonding
- Provides compliance data for aerospace and military specifications
- Supports failure analysis of corrosion in bonded assemblies
Test Process
Metal Specimen Preparation
Metal coupons (copper, steel, aluminum) are cleaned and polished to a standard surface finish
1Adhesive Application
Adhesive is applied to the metal coupon surface per the specified method.
2Exposure Conditioning
Specimens are held at the specified temperature and duration with adhesive in contact with metal.
3Examination
Metal surface is cleaned of adhesive residue and examined for corrosion, pitting, or staining.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM D3310 |
| Test Principle | Direct contact corrosion evaluation |
| Metal Types | Copper, steel, aluminum (as specified) |
| Exposure Conditions | As specified by adhesive application requirements |
| Applicable Materials | Adhesive materials |
| Output Units | Pass/Fail |
| Measured Outputs | Corrosion rating, staining, surface attack |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Temperature-controlled oven or chamber
- Optical microscope for surface examination
- Metal coupons (copper, steel, aluminum)
- Surface polishing equipment
- Analytical balance
- Photographic documentation equipment
Results and Deliverables
- Pass/fail corrosivity determination
- Photographic records of metal surfaces pre- and post-exposure
- Description of corrosion type and extent
- Metal type-specific compatibility results
- Compliance documentation
- Quality assurance reports
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Infinita Lab is a leading provider of ASTM D3359 and streamlined material testing services, addressing the critical challenges faced by emerging businesses and established enterprises. With access to a vast network of over 2,000+ accredited partner labs across the United States, Infinita Lab ensures rapid, accurate, and cost-effective testing solutions. The company’s unique value proposition includes comprehensive project management, confidentiality assurance, and seamless communication through a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) model. By eliminating inefficiencies in traditional material testing workflows, Infinita Lab accelerates research and development (R&D) processes.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D3359 is used to evaluate how well a coating adheres to its substrate by applying and removing adhesive tape. It provides a quick, standardized method to assess coating performance and identify potential adhesion failures.
Method A uses an X-cut pattern for thicker coatings or field testing, while Method B uses a cross-hatch lattice pattern for thinner coatings. Both methods evaluate adhesion but differ in precision and application suitability.
The rating scale indicates the degree of coating adhesion, with 5B representing no coating removal and excellent adhesion, while 0B indicates significant coating failure and poor adhesion.
It helps ensure coatings adhere properly to substrates, preventing premature failure and maintaining protective performance in various environmental conditions.
The cross-hatch pattern creates multiple small squares, allowing a more detailed assessment of adhesion across a larger area and improving test sensitivity.
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