Corrosion film growth with thicknesses varying from a monolayer of atoms up to 1 μm can readily be measured on a continuous, real-time, in-situ, basis with QCMs.

The test results obtained for this test method are influenced by various factors, including geometrical effects, temperature, humidity, film thickness, film materials, electrode conditions, gases in the corrosion chamber, atmospheric pressure, and so forth. Calibration of coated crystals and instrumentation and reproducible crystal operating conditions are necessary for consistent results.

1.1 This test method monitors the reactivity of a gaseous test environment in which metal surfaces (for example, electrical contacts, assembled printed wiring boards, and so forth) and other materials subject to pollutant gas attack undergo accelerated atmospheric corrosion testing. This test method is applicable to adherent corrosion films whose total corrosion film thickness ranges from a few atomic monolayers to approximately a micrometre.

1.2 The test method provides a dynamic, continuous, in-situ, procedure for monitoring the corrosion rate in corrosion chambers; the uniformity of corrosion chambers; and the corrosion rate on different surfaces. Response time in the order of seconds is possible.

1.3 With the proper samples, the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) test method can also be used to monitor the weight loss from a surface as a result of the desorption of surface species (that is, reduction of an oxide in a reducing atmosphere). (Alternative names for QCM are quartz crystal oscillator, piezoelectric crystal oscillator, or thin-film evaporation monitor.)

1.4 This test method is not sufficient to specify the corrosion process that may be occurring in a chamber, since a variety of pollutant gases and environments may cause similar weight gains.

1.5 This test method is generally not applicable to test environments in which solid or liquid particles are deposited on the surface of the quartz crystal.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety and health practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.