Wear and corrosion can involve a number of mechanical and chemical processes. The combined action of these processes can result in significant mutual interaction beyond the individual contributions of mechanical wear and corrosion (1-5). This interaction among abrasion, rubbing, impact and corrosion can significantly increase total material losses in aqueous environments, thus producing a synergistic effect. Reduction of either the corrosion or the wear component of material loss may significantly reduce the total material loss. A practical example may be a stainless steel that has excellent corrosion resistance in the absence of mechanical abrasion, but readily wears and corrodes when abrasive particles remove its corrosion-resistant passive film. Quantification of wear/corrosion synergism can help guide the user to the best means of lowering overall material loss. The procedures outlined in this guide cannot be used for systems in which any corrosion products such as oxides are left on the surface after a test, resulting in a possible weight gain.

1.1 This guide covers and provides a means for computing the increased wear loss rate attributed to synergism or interaction that may occur in a system when both wear and corrosion processes coexist. The guide applies to systems in liquid solutions or slurries and does not include processes in a gas/solid system.

1.2 This guide applies to metallic materials and can be used in a generic sense with a number of wear/corrosion tests. It is not restricted to use with approved ASTM test methods.

1.3 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 establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.