To work as intended, a material must function within its service environment. Corrosion problems can occur when material selection is less than ideal. There is an intricate relationship between material chemistry, microstructure, surface condition, environmental chemistry, humidity and temperature that dictates this behavior. Our scientists follow a logical and systematic approach to identify corrosion mechanisms, especially those that impact a product’s useful life cycle.

We perform accelerated corrosion testing in our environmental chambers by simulating an environment based on client-specific service conditions. We can also perform standard corrosion tests as defined by ASTM. Our clients rely on the corrosion testing results to develop new products, improve existing ones, or respond to regulatory requirements.

Where Materials Science and Chemistry Meet

We encounter corrosion in materials from metals to polymers, from steel to concrete, and in multiple applications — from bridges to pipes to medical devices. RJ Lee Group scientists recognize that corrosion behavior depends on both the properties of the material and environmental chemistry. Our full service laboratory includes multiple options for a corrosion investigation including:

• Corrosion Testing
  • Environmental Chambers
    • Material qualification – ASTM standard testing
    • Accelerated corrosion testing – ASTM standard environments
    • Accelerated corrosion testing – client-specific environments
  • Electro-chemical testing
• Chemical Analysis
  • Environmental chemistry
    • Air Sampling and testing
    • Water testing
    • Particle testing
  • Material chemistry
    • ICP chemical analysis
    • Surface analysis (ESCA/XPS)
• Full Service Metallography Laboratory
  • Sample cross sectioning, drilling, cutting
  • Mounting, grinding, polishing
  • Etching
  • Hardness testing
• Field Deployable Services
  • Handheld XRF for chemical analysis
  • Stereo-microscope for surface assessment
  • Surface replicas
  • Field metallography and microstructural evaluation

Corrosion Is A Fact of Life

Despite best efforts to protect products from corrosion degradation, corrosion usually cannot be totally prevented. However, detection and identification of operating corrosion mechanisms can provide insight into remaining product life and opportunities for its life extension. RJLG can determine the root cause of corrosion failure, devise a mitigation strategy, or conduct a remaining life assessment.

To view our Corrosion handout, please click here. 

Read blog posts, case studies and more about corrosion analysis here.

Learn about our Laboratory Services here.