Intergranular Corrosion Testing Services
Discover the world of intergranular corrosion (IGC) testing services and how important it is to protect the integrity of materials.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
What Is Intergranular Corrosion?
Testing for intergranular corrosion (IGC) assesses the susceptibility of metallic materials, especially nickel-based alloys and stainless steels, to corrosion at grain boundaries. This type of corrosion occurs when the grain boundary regions differ chemically from the bulk material, usually due to carbide precipitation, sensitization, incorrect heat treatment, or welding.
IGC can significantly impair structural integrity and mechanical strength without causing noticeable surface damage. Therefore, in sectors including oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, and aerospace, standardized IGC testing is crucial for quality assurance, material certification, weld assessment, and failure analysis. Manufacturers can avoid early failures and ensure long-term material performance with IGC testing services, which provide standardized, trustworthy assessments using globally accepted techniques.
Applications and Benefits of Intergranular Corrosion Testing
Scope
IGC testing evaluates:
- Susceptibility to grain boundary corrosion
- Degree of sensitization in alloys
- Weight loss due to corrosion (mg/cm²)
- Microstructural degradation along grain boundaries
- Effect of heat treatment and welding
Applications
- Material qualification for corrosion-resistant alloys
- Weld procedure qualification and heat treatment validation
- Quality control of stainless steel components
- Failure analysis of corroded parts
- Verification of solution annealing effectiveness
- Assessment of sensitization after fabrication
Benefits
- Detect susceptibility to intergranular attack
- Ensure compliance with ASTM and industry specifications
- Validate proper heat treatment and welding procedures
- Prevent unexpected material failure in corrosive environments
- Support certification and regulatory requirements
- Enhance the reliability of critical components
Our Testing Procedure
Specimen Preparation & Exposure
Machine, polish, clean, and immerse specimens per ASTM under controlled conditions.
1Mechanical or Weight Loss Evaluation
Perform bend tests (where applicable) to detect grain boundary cracking or measure mass loss to determine corrosion rate.
2Metallographic Examination
Prepare cross-sections and examine under an optical microscope to assess intergranular attack depth and morphology.
3Interpretation & Reporting
Classify the material as acceptable or susceptible based on the relevant standard acceptance criteria and issue a detailed report.
4Test parameters and requirements
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Material Types | Austenitic SS, Duplex SS, Nickel Alloys |
| Applicable Materials | Stainless steels, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys |
| Test Environment | Specific acid solutions per standard requirement |
| Temperature Range | Typically boiling solutions (~100°C) |
| Exposure Duration | 15 minutes to 120 hours (depending on practice) |
| Evaluation Method | Microscopic examination, bend test, or weight loss measurement |
- Boiling test apparatus with temperature control
- Acid-resistant test vessels and condensers
- Precision analytical balance for weight loss measurements
- Metallographic sample preparation equipment (cutting, mounting, polishing)
- Optical microscope for grain boundary evaluation
- Digital imaging systems for documentation
- Fume hood and chemical safety systems
Equipment and Instrumentation Used for Testing
What You Receive: Test Report, Data, and Certification
- Pass/Fail Classification as per applicable ASTM standard
- Degree of Intergranular Attack (IGA) measurement
- Corrosion Rate (when applicable)
- Microstructural images showing the grain boundary condition
- Bend test observations (cracking or fissures)
- Detailed test report including test method, exposure conditions, and compliance statement
Intergranular Corrosion FAQs
Intergranular corrosion is a localized attack along grain boundaries in metals, often caused by chromium depletion. It weakens the material internally and can lead to sudden failure without visible surface damage.
Common standards include ASTM A262 for stainless steels, ASTM G28 for nickel alloys, ASTM G67 for aluminum alloys, and ISO 3651 for corrosion resistance evaluation.
ASTM A262 defines multiple test practices (A, B, C, E, F) to detect susceptibility to intergranular corrosion in austenitic stainless steels using chemical exposure and evaluation methods.
Corrosion is measured using weight loss, visual inspection, bend tests, or metallographic analysis. Some methods quantify corrosion rates, while others assess cracking or grain boundary attack.
IGC testing ensures materials are not susceptible to grain boundary corrosion, which can cause unexpected failure. It is critical for safety and reliability in high-temperature and corrosive environments.
Why Choose Infinita Lab for Intergranular Corrosion Testing
At the core of this breadth is our network of 2,000+ accredited laboratories across the USA, offering access to over 10,000 testing methods and analytical services. From advanced materials characterization (SEM, TEM, RBS, XPS) to mechanical, chemical, environmental, biological, and standardized ASTM/ISO-compliant testing, we deliver unmatched flexibility, specialization, and scale. You are never limited by geography, facility, or methodology — Infinita Lab connects you to the right expertise and testing solution, every time.
Looking for an Accredited Partner for Intergranular Corrosion Testing?
Send query us at hello@infinitalab.com or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you.
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