A universal alternating immersion simulator for accelerated cyclic corrosion tests

A new device for performing accelerated cyclic immersion tests is described. The main achievement is to realise a high cycling rate without a proportional increase in the test duration. The device is also capable of performing tests according to EU ISO 11130 specification. A minimal invasive drying system is used that neither heats air nor sample and the flow rate is still low as to prevent a mechanical delamination of paints or loose corrosion products. A multiple sample set-up is realised that provides individual reference electrodes. The random access through a multiplexer allows individual investigation of the samples even by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under immersion conditions. The device and its test principle are applicable in both industrial and laboratorial scale applications. Two application examples are given to demonstrate the versatility of the alternating immersion tester. One addresses the corrosion protection performance of different zinc-coated steel sheets; the other quantifies the patina formation kinetics of low-alloyed steels with weathering properties.