BS EN ISO 4623-2:2016

BSI Standards Publication

Paints and varnishes —

Determination of resistance to
filiform corrosion
Part 2: Aluminium substrates
(ISO 4623-2:2016)
BS EN ISO 4623-2:2016 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN ISO
4623-2:2016. It supersedes BS EN ISO 4623-2:2004 which is
withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee STI/10, Test methods for paints.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2016.
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2016
ISBN 978 0 580 87401 7
ICS 87.040
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 August 2016.
Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
Date Text affected
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN ISO 4623-2
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 2016

ICS 87.040 Supersedes EN ISO 4623-2:2004

English Version

Paints and varnishes - Determination of resistance to

filiform corrosion - Part 2: Aluminium substrates (ISO
4623-2:2016)
Peintures et vernis - Détermination de la résistance à la
corrosion filiforme - Partie 2: Subjectiles en aluminium
(ISO 4623-2:2016)
Beschichtungsstoffe - Bestimmung der Beständigkeit
gegen Filiformkorrosion - Teil 2: Aluminium als
Substrat (ISO 4623-2:2016)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 23 July 2016.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2016 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 4623-2:2016 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN ISO 4623-2:2016
EN ISO 4623-2:2016 (E)

European foreword

This document (EN ISO 4623-2:2016) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 35 “Paints
and varnishes” in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 139 “Paints and varnishes” the
secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2017, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by February 2017.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.

This document supersedes EN ISO 4623-2:2004.

According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Endorsement notice

The text of ISO 4623-2:2016 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 4623-2:2016 without any
modification.

3
 BS EN ISO 4623-2:2016
ISO 4623-2:2016(E)


Contents Page

Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... iv
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Principle......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
5 Sampling......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
6 Apparatus...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
7 Reagents......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
8 Test panels................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
8.1 Material and dimensions................................................................................................................................................................. 2
8.2 Preparation and coating................................................................................................................................................................... 3
8.3 Drying and conditioning.................................................................................................................................................................. 3
8.4 Thickness of coating............................................................................................................................................................................ 3
9 Procedure..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
9.1 Determination.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
9.2 Scribing the test panels..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
9.3 Testing............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
9.4 Inspection of test panels.................................................................................................................................................................. 5
10 Evaluation of the degree of filiform corrosion....................................................................................................................... 5
11 Precision........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
12 Test report.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Bibliography................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7

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ISO 4623-2:2016(E)


Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity assessment,
as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 35, Paints and varnishes, Subcommittee SC 9,
General test methods for paints and varnishes.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 4623-2:2003), which has been technically
revised. It also incorporates the Technical Corrigendum ISO 4623-2:2003/Cor 1:2005. The following
main changes have been made:
a) duplicate determination has been changed to triplicate determination;
b) information on the shape of the scribe marks has been added;
c) the width of the scribe marks has been changed to be in line with EN 3665;
d) a note on using the CASS test for initiating filiform corrosion was added;
e) the supplementary test conditions previously in Annex A have been integrated in the test report.
ISO 4623 consists of the following parts, under the general title Paints and varnishes — Determination of
resistance to filiform corrosion:
— Part 1: Steel substrates
— Part 2: Aluminium substrates

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ISO 4623-2:2016(E)


Introduction
A scribe mark cut through a coating of paints or varnishes on metal can give rise to various types of
corrosion, such as blistering of the coating, corrosion of the metal under the coating as well as filiform
corrosion. Filiform corrosion tends to develop under specific conditions of temperature and relative
humidity and when traces of acids, bases or salts are present either under the paint coating or at breaks
in the coating. These conditions are often found in marine and/or industrial environments. A certain
amount of under-corrosion of the coating, starting from the scribe mark, will always occur. Filiform
corrosion, however, is considered to be present only if the typical pattern in the form of threads is
obvious.

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BS EN ISO 4623-2:2016
 BS EN ISO 4623-2:2016
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 4623-2:2016(E)

Paints and varnishes — Determination of resistance to

filiform corrosion —
Part 2:
Aluminium substrates

1 Scope
This part of ISO 4623 describes a test procedure for assessing the protective action of coatings of
paints or varnishes on aluminium against filiform corrosion arising from a scribe mark cut through the
coating.
It is only suitable for assessing the performance of the coating/substrate combination tested. It is not
suitable for predicting the performance of the coating on different substrates.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document
and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 1513, Paints and varnishes — Examination and preparation of test samples
ISO 1514, Paints and varnishes — Standard panels for testing
ISO 2808, Paints and varnishes — Determination of film thickness
ISO 3270, Paints and varnishes and their raw materials — Temperatures and humidities for conditioning
and testing
ISO 4628-8, Paints and varnishes  — Evaluation of degradation of coatings  — Designation of quantity
and size of defects, and of intensity of uniform changes in appearance — Part 8: Assessment of degree of
delamination and corrosion around a scribe or other artificial defect
ISO 4628-10, Paints and varnishes  — Evaluation of degradation of coatings  — Designation of quantity
and size of defects, and of intensity of uniform changes in appearance — Part 10: Assessment of degree of
filiform corrosion
ISO 15528, Paints, varnishes and raw materials for paints and varnishes — Sampling

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
filiform corrosion
type of corrosion proceeding under a coat of paint, varnish or related product, in the form of threads,
generally starting from bare edges or from local damage to the coating
Note 1 to entry: Usually the threads are irregular in length and direction of growth, but they may also be nearly
parallel and of approximately equal length. They usually follow the extrusion direction and do not cross over one
another. They need to be initiated by aggressive ions.

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ISO 4623-2:2016(E)


4 Principle
A coated test panel is scribed as defined in 9.2. A small amount of hydrochloric acid is introduced into
the scribe mark through exposure to hydrochloric acid vapour. The panel is then exposed in a test
cabinet at 40 °C and a relative humidity of 82 %. The effects of exposure are then evaluated by criteria
agreed in advance between the interested parties; these criteria usually being either of a subjective
nature or as given in ISO 4628-10.

5 Sampling
Take a representative sample of the product to be tested (or of each product in the case of a multi-coat
system), as specified in ISO 15528.
Examine and prepare each sample for testing, as specified in ISO 1513.

6 Apparatus
Ordinary laboratory apparatus and glassware, together with the following:

6.1 Test cabinet, capable of being maintained at (40 ± 2) °C and a relative humidity of (82 ± 5) %.
The cabinet shall have provision for maintaining the panels in a horizontal position (see Note) at least
20 mm apart or, if specified, provision for placing or hanging the test panels in an approximately vertical
position so that the distance between the faces of adjacent panels is at least 20 mm.
NOTE Due to the hygroscopic action of the hydrochloric acid in the scribe mark, mixtures of water droplets
and hydrochloric acid can be formed. Horizontal exposure will result in more corrosion which proceeds in a
more regular manner along the length of each scribe mark.

6.2 Container, made of acid-resistant material, with a lid, and capable of holding the test panels at a
distance of (100 ± 10) mm from the surface of the acid and at least 20 mm from each other.

6.3 Scribe tool, consisting of a sharp instrument which will produce scribe marks with the dimensions
specified in 9.2 and with well-defined edges. There are many scribe tools available, and the result of the
test will vary depending on the tool used. A description of the scribe tool shall be given in the test report
[see Clause 12, item d)].

6.4 Ruler, accurate to 1 mm.

7 Reagents

7.1 Hydrochloric acid, of analytical grade, concentration 37 % (ρ = 1,19 g/cm3).

The quality and purity of the hydrochloric acid shall be kept constant.

8 Test panels

8.1 Material and dimensions

The test panels shall be of aluminium complying with the requirements of ISO 1514 and of minimum
dimensions 100 mm × 70 mm × 0,8 mm, unless otherwise specified, the short dimension being in the
direction of rolling of the metal.

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ISO 4623-2:2016(E)


8.2 Preparation and coating

Prepare the test panels as described in ISO 1514, unless otherwise specified, and then coat them by the
specified method with the product or system under test.
Unless otherwise specified, the back and edges of the panel shall also be coated with the product or
system under test.
If the coating on the back and edges of the panel differs from that of the product under test, it shall have
corrosion resistance greater than that of the product under test.

8.3 Drying and conditioning

Dry (or stove) and age (if applicable) each coated test panel for the specified time under the specified
conditions, and, unless otherwise specified, condition them at the standard temperature and relative
humidity defined in ISO 3270 for at least 16 h, with free circulation of air and without exposing them to
direct sunlight. The test procedure shall then be carried out as soon as possible.

8.4 Thickness of coating

Determine the thickness, in micrometres, of the dried coating by one of the non-destructive procedures
described in ISO 2808.

9 Procedure

9.1 Determination
Carry out all tests in triplicate unless otherwise agreed.

9.2 Scribing the test panels

Unless otherwise specified, make two scribe marks, each at least 30  mm long, on each test panel,
making the scribe marks perpendicular to each other. The distance between the scribe marks and from
the scribe marks to the edge of the panel shall be at least 20 mm (see Figure 1). The scribe marks shall
be of width 1 mm to 2 mm (see Figure 2), unless otherwise agreed.
Remove the debris from the scribe marks. The coating shall be smooth at the edges of the scribe mark.
Ensure that the metal is clearly visible over the entire length of the scribe marks by using a magnifying
glass of ×10 magnification.
If the aluminium has surface cladding, then the scribe mark shall penetrate through the cladding layer
by 0,05 mm to 0,1 mm (see Figure 2).
Different scribing devices produce different amounts of corrosion in the scribe mark, therefore the
manner of scribing and the type of tool used shall be reported.

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BS EN ISO 4623-2:2016
ISO 4623-2:2016(E)


Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 rolling direction

Figure 1 — Positions of scribe marks

Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 coating
2 cladding
3 substrate

Figure 2 — Shape of the scribe marks

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 BS EN ISO 4623-2:2016
ISO 4623-2:2016(E)


9.3 Testing
Into the container (6.2), place (20 ± 2) ml of hydrochloric acid (7.1) per litre of container volume.
NOTE For some materials, the CASS test specified in ISO  9227 has been found suitable for initiating the
filiform corrosion process at a higher rate.

Place the test panels in the container, face down above the liquid, with the scribe marks exposed to the
vapour. The distance between the test panels and the surface of the liquid shall be (100 ± 10) mm, and
they shall be at least 20 mm apart from each other. The position of the test panels during exposure in the
test cabinet (horizontal or vertical) has an influence on the test result, and therefore it shall be noted.
Place the lid on the container and keep at a temperature of (23 ± 2) °C for (60 ± 5) min. Remove the test
panels, allow them to stand at the standard conditions defined in ISO 3270 for 15 min to 30 min and
then immediately place them in the test cabinet (6.1) at (40 ± 2) °C and (82 ± 5) % relative humidity
until the end of the specified test period.
It is recommended that a control specimen prepared from a paint of known durability be included with
each series of test panels.

9.4 Inspection of test panels

Where appropriate, at the specified intervals and on completion of the test, inspect the test panels for
filiform corrosion (see Clause 10). During inspection, the panels shall not be allowed to remain out of
the cabinet for more than 30 min, as a longer time may affect the development of the filiform corrosion.
If the coating is removed (by stripping) at specified intervals, make sure that enough test panels are
placed in the cabinet at the beginning of the test.

10 Evaluation of the degree of filiform corrosion

Using the ruler (6.4), determine the length of the longest filament L and the most frequent filament
length M as described in ISO 4628-10.
Report the results for the two scribe marks separately, as the scribe mark which is perpendicular to the
rolling direction will show much more and longer filiform corrosion.
If specified, determine corrosion other than filiform about the scribe marks as described in ISO 4628-8.
If specified, remove the coating with a non-corrosive paint remover and re-examine the substrate.
Photographs of the test panels taken at the end of the test may be helpful in assessing the extent of the
filiform corrosion.

11 Precision
No relevant precision data are currently available.
ISO/TC 35 intends to obtain precision data for all relevant standards, including this part of ISO 4623.
When precision data are available, they will be incorporated in this part of ISO 4623.

12 Test report
The test report shall contain at least the following information:
a) all details necessary to identify the product tested;
b) a reference to this part of ISO 4623, i.e. ISO 4623-2;

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ISO 4623-2:2016(E)


c) details of the preparation of the test panels, including

1) the material, the thickness and the surface preparation of the substrate (see 8.1 and 8.2),
2) the method of application of the coating material to the substrate, including the duration and
conditions of drying between coats in the case of a multi-coat system including details on
sealing of the edges and backs of the test panels (if required) (see 8.2),
3) the duration and conditions of drying (or stoving) and ageing (if applicable) of the coating
before testing (see 8.3),
4) the thickness, in micrometres, of the dry coating and the method of measurement used in
ISO 2808, and whether it is a single coating or a multi-coat system (see 8.4);
d) a description of the scribe tool used and the dimensions and location of each scribe mark (see 9.2);
e) whether the panels are to be placed horizontally or vertically in the test cabinet (see 9.3)
f) the duration of the test (see 9.3) and the intervals of inspection (see 9.4);
g) the results of the test as indicated in Clause 10;
h) any deviations (by agreement or otherwise) from the test procedure specified;
i) any unusual features (anomalies) observed during the test;
j) the date of the test.

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 BS EN ISO 4623-2:2016
ISO 4623-2:2016(E)


Bibliography

[1] ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests

[2] EN 3665, Aerospace series — Test methods for paints and varnishes — Filiform corrosion resistance
test on aluminium alloys

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