Aging Tests
/ analyses & testing /
Aging Tests
& Corrosion Resistance
CRITT MATÉRIAUX INNOVATION offers a wide range of aging tests adapted to your needs: neutral salt spray corrosion resistance tests, climatic condition tests, humid condition tests, ECC1 tests (RENAULT D17 2028 method), accelerated aging under pure oxygen. These tests allow validation of the durability and stability of your materials, coatings and products over time and under environmental stresses.
Wide range of aging tests
Our climatic chambers and corrosion enclosures allow simulation of various environmental conditions to evaluate the durability of your materials and products over time.
- Neutral salt spray corrosion (ISO 9227)
- Climatic tests (temperature, humidity, sunlight)
- ECC1 tests (RENAULT D17 2028)
- Accelerated aging under pure oxygen
- Thermal and hygro-thermal cycles
Types of aging tests
Our aging tests allow evaluation of the durability and stability of your materials, coatings, surface treatments and finished products under controlled and accelerated environmental conditions.
- Neutral salt spray corrosion resistance tests : according to ISO 9227 standard (formerly ISO 7253). Evaluation of atmospheric corrosion resistance of metallic and non-metallic coatings, paints, varnishes. Variable exposure durations according to specifications (24h, 48h, 96h, 240h, 500h, 1000h...).
- Controlled climatic condition tests : This advanced technology reproduces the solar spectrum and alternates light, humidity and spray phases, allowing accelerated aging of products exposed to weather, sun, etc. It allows detection and anticipation of defects such as color loss, yellowing, embrittlement or any other degradation. Precise and traceable data, compliant with standards: ISO 4892, 16474, 11341, 105 B02/B04/B06/B10, 24443 | ASTM G151, G155 | SAE J 2412, J 2527 | Qualicoat, AATCC TM 16, ICH Guideline.
- Humid condition tests : total or partial immersion in water, salt water, chemical solutions. Controlled temperature. Evaluation of resistance to hydrolysis, swelling, loss of mechanical properties.
- ECC1 tests (RENAULT D17 2028 method) : cyclic corrosion test combining salt spray, humidity and drying. Accelerated simulation of automotive use conditions. RENAULT qualification. Evaluation of multi-material assembly durability, cataphoresis protection, undercoats...
- Accelerated aging under pure oxygen : aging on UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) samples, followed by physicochemical tests, to evaluate their oxidation stability according to ISO 5834-3 or ASTM F 2003-02 standards. Application: validation of orthopedic implant stability.
- Thermal aging : aging at high temperature in oven (up to +300°C). Evaluation of thermal degradation, oxidation, property loss. Applicable to polymers, elastomers, composites.
Our aging test approach
Our aging tests are based on rigorous methodology and standardized equipment. Each test campaign follows a structured protocol in 3 complementary steps for reliable durability evaluation:
Aging protocol definition
Analysis of your specifications and use environment. Choice of appropriate aging type: salt spray, climatic, ECC1, accelerated oxidation, UV... Selection of applicable standard (ISO 9227, RENAULT D17 2028, ASTM, ISO 5834-3...). Definition of exposure durations and acceptance criteria.
Controlled condition exposure
Sample preparation and initial characterization (appearance, dimensions, weight, properties). Placement in aging enclosure with controlled and recorded conditions. Periodic controls during exposure. Strict compliance with standardized protocols and complete traceability.
Post-aging evaluation and report
Standardized visual evaluation (corrosion, blistering, discoloration...). Dimensional and gravimetric measurements. Post-exposure mechanical tests if required. Complementary analyses (SEM-EDS, metallographic cross-sections, physicochemical analyses). Detailed report with photos, measurements, criteria compliance.
Application examples
Medical devices - Oxidation stability
UHMWPE aging for orthopedic implants
Testing : Accelerated aging on UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) samples under pure oxygen according to ISO 5834-3 or ASTM F 2003-02. Physicochemical test follow-up: oxidation index by IR, density measurement, DSC analyses, mechanical tests (tensile, hardness). Oxidation stability evaluation over time.
Automotive - Cyclic corrosion
RENAULT ECC1 test on multi-material assembly
Testing : Cyclic corrosion test according to RENAULT D17 2028 method: salt spray cycles (35°C, 5% NaCl) -> humidity (50°C, 100% RH) -> drying (60°C). Total duration: 30 cycles (210 hours). Visual corrosion evaluation, corrosion progression measurement, coating adhesion control, post-test pull-off tests.
Agri-food - Salt spray
Stainless steel passivation layer resistance
Testing : Neutral salt spray corrosion resistance test according to ISO 9227 (NSS) on 316L stainless steel samples with different passivation treatments. Exposure duration: 240 hours. Visual evaluation, optical microscopy, SEM-EDS for corrosion product analysis. Performance comparison of different treatments.
Your Questions, Our Answers
We offer a wide range of tests: salt spray corrosion (ISO 9227), climatic tests (temperature -70°C to +180°C, humidity 10% to 98% RH), thermal and hygro-thermal cycles, immersion tests (water, chemical solutions), ECC1 tests (RENAULT D17 2028), accelerated aging under pure oxygen (ISO 5834-3, ASTM F 2003-02), thermal aging in oven, UV aging. Each test can be adapted to your specific specifications.
Neutral salt spray (ISO 9227) is a continuous exposure test to salt spray at 35°C (5% NaCl) to evaluate atmospheric corrosion resistance. The ECC1 test (RENAULT D17 2028) is a more aggressive cyclic corrosion test combining 3 phases: salt spray (35°C) -> humidity (50°C, 100% RH) -> drying (60°C). ECC1 simulates in an accelerated manner real automotive use conditions (road salt spray, rain, sun drying).
Durations vary depending on test type and specifications: salt spray from 24h to 1000h according to requirements, ECC1 generally 30 cycles (about 210 hours), climatic aging from a few days to several weeks, UHMWPE aging under oxygen from 1 to 3 weeks depending on protocol (ISO 5834-3). Durations can be extended according to your natural aging simulation needs.
Yes, our ECC1 tests are performed according to RENAULT D17 2028 method with RENAULT qualification. We strictly follow the defined protocol: duration of each phase, temperature, humidity, number of cycles, evaluation criteria. Our test reports are recognized by RENAULT and usable for your part submissions or validation of anti-corrosion protection processes (cataphoresis, paint, zinc plating...).
Yes, our climatic and corrosion enclosures allow testing of large parts (volumes up to 400L depending on equipment). We can test complete assemblies, sub-assemblies, finished products. For bulky parts or tests requiring very specific conditions, contact us to study the technical feasibility.
Evaluation depends on test type and defined criteria: visual evaluation (corrosion appearance, blistering, delamination, color change...), dimensional measurements (swelling, shrinkage...), post-aging mechanical tests (tensile, hardness, bending...), physicochemical analyses (IR, DSC, density, oxidation index...), microscopic observations (SEM-EDS, metallographic cross-section...). A detailed report with photos and measurement results is provided.