Coating Evaluation Services

TCR Advanced offers corrosion testing services to evaluate material resistance under various environmental and chemical conditions. Our lab performs Salt Spray Testing, Intergranular Corrosion (IGC), Pitting & Crevice Corrosion Tests, Sulphide Stress Cracking (SSC), and Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC) as per NACE, ASTM, and ISO standards. These tests are crucial for selecting suitable materials in corrosive service and for validating protective coatings or treatments. TCR simulates real-world exposure to predict service life and optimize material selection. Our corrosion testing lab is equipped with autoclaves, humidity chambers, potentio-dynamic electrochemical study and advanced microscopy for post-test analysis. The service supports industries such as petrochemical, marine, power, and infrastructure.

TCR Advanced routinely conducts tests based on the following standards: ASTM A 262, ASTM G 48, ASTM A 923, ASTM B117

The evaluation of protective coatings is essential to ensure their long-term performance, durability, and suitability for specific environmental and operational conditions. Various types of coatings—such as zinc-rich coatings (e.g., galvanizing), epoxy coatings, conventional paints, and bituminous coatings—can be subjected to laboratory testing to assess their adhesion strength, coating quality, and thickness uniformity. 

Corrosion Testing Services

We conduct corrosion testing as per NACE, ASTM, and ISO standards, including:

• Salt Spray Testing (ASTM B117 / ISO 9227)

• Intergranular Corrosion (IGC) Testing (ASTM A262, ASTM A923)

• Pitting & Crevice Corrosion Tests (ASTM G48)

• Sulphide Stress Cracking (SSC)

• Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC)

Laboratory Capabilities

Our corrosion testing lab is equipped with:

• Autoclaves & humidity chambers

• Potentio-dynamic electrochemical analysis systems

• Advanced microscopy for post-test analysis

Protective Coating Evaluation

Evaluation of protective coatings is crucial for determining long-term performance, durability, and suitability under specific operational and environmental conditions. Coatings tested include:

• Zinc-rich coatings (e.g., galvanizing)

• Epoxy coatings

• Conventional paints

• Bituminous coatings

(A) Adhesion Testing

Purpose: To measure the bonding strength between the coating and substrate.

• Tape Test (ASTM D3359 / ISO 2409): Involves cross-hatching the surface, applying standardized adhesive tape (e.g., 3M), and evaluating coating removal.

• Salt Spray Test (ASTM B117 / ISO 9227): Assesses adhesion under accelerated corrosive conditions. Delamination or blistering near scribed areas indicates adhesion failure.

• Coating Thickness Measurement: Non-destructive measurement using coating thickness gauges (Elcometer), based on magnetic induction or eddy current principles. Ensures uniformity and compliance with standards (ASTM D7091, ISO 2808).

  
  

(B) Coating Quality Evaluation

Purpose: To analyze uniformity, integrity, and composition of the applied coating.

• For Galvanized (Zinc) Coatings:

  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Examines surface morphology and microstructure.

  • Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS): Provides elemental analysis of zinc layer purity and distribution.

• For Epoxy & Paint Coatings:

  • Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): Detects chemical bonding and curing issues.

  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): Evaluates curing behavior and thermal stability.

  • Optical Microscopy / SEM (Cross-Section Analysis): Identifies coating defects such as inhomogeneity, voids, or delamination.

• For Bituminous Coatings:

  • Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA): Determines thermal degradation properties and organic content.

  • Holiday Testing (ASTM G62): High-voltage holiday detector used to identify pinholes, voids, or discontinuities in non-conductive coatings over conductive substrates that may expose the base metal to corrosion.