Intergranular Corrosion (IGC) Testing Services for Stainless Steels & Alloys
Discover the world of intergranular corrosion (IGC) testing services and how important it is to protect the integrity of materials.
TRUSTED BY
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Intergranular Corrosion (IGC) Overview
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.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
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
Test Process
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.
4Technical Specifications
| 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 |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- 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
Results and Deliverables
- 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
Partnering with Infinita Lab for Optimal Results
Infinita Lab addresses the most frustrating pain points in the intergranular corrosion (IGC) testing process: complexity, coordination, and confidentiality. Our platform is built for secure, simplified support, allowing engineering and R&D teams to focus on what matters most: innovation. From kickoff to final report, we orchestrate every detail—fast, seamlessly, and behind the scenes.
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
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.
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