scope:

This test is intended for application to components or equipment designed to withstand a salt-laden atmosphere. Salt can degrade the performance of parts manufactured using metallic and/or non-metallic materials. The mechanism of salt corrosion in metallic materials is electrochemical, whereas the degradation effects experienced on non-metallic materials are caused by complex chemical reactions of the salts with the materials involved. The rate at which corrosive action takes place is dependent to a large extent on the supply of oxygenated salt solution to the surface of the test specimen, the temperature of the specimen and the temperature and humidity of the environment. Apart from the corrosive effects, this test may be used to indicate deterioration of some non-metallic materials by assimilation of salts.