ISO 8565:2011

Overview

ISO 8565:2011 - "Metals and alloys - Atmospheric corrosion testing - General requirements" defines general requirements for stationary atmospheric exposure testing of metals, alloys and metallic or other inorganic coatings. It covers open‑air and sheltered exposures, testing of flat and complex specimens (including welded joints and assemblies), and the documentation and site controls needed to produce reliable, comparable corrosion data.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Specimen types and preparation

  • Preferred flat specimens: about 150 mm × 100 mm, thickness typically 1–3 mm; minimum coated area 50 cm² when possible.
  • Irregular parts (bolts, tubes, assemblies) and welded joints are permitted; position welds centrally if possible.
  • Surface preparation: degreasing, descaling per ISO 8407; avoid cleaning methods that damage coatings.
  • Handling and marking: use clean gloves; durable, legible marks in non‑assessed areas; maintain specimen identity maps.

• Specimen management

  • Minimum three specimens per exposure interval (more for complex/statistical programs).
  • Control specimens stored under non‑corrosive conditions; reference specimens used for comparison.
  • Storage conditions: controlled room with relative humidity ≤ 65%; sensitive items in desiccators or sealed with desiccant.
  • Comprehensive specimen data records (composition, mass, surface finish, coating details, test methods, photographic records).

• Test sites and exposure

  • Supports both open‑air and sheltered exposures; shelters must be fully described because results may not be comparable between shelter types.
  • Site selection should reflect intended service environments (rural, urban, industrial, marine) and follow corrosivity classification guidance in ISO 9223.
  • Site considerations: avoid unintended sheltering (buildings, trees), control vegetation (max height 0.2 m), ensure secure site layout and avoid fencing effects.
  • Exposure frames must not influence corrosion, should expose upper and underside areas, and prevent specimen contact.

• Procedures and reporting

  • Defines requirements for operating conditions, test procedures, site characterization, environmental monitoring and detailed test reporting.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 8565:2011 is used by:

• Corrosion engineers and materials scientists assessing atmospheric corrosion resistance
• Test laboratories performing field exposure programs
• Coating and metal manufacturers validating product durability
• Asset owners in construction, marine, automotive and infrastructure sectors planning material selection and maintenance
• Standards bodies and R&D groups comparing field data (corrosivity classification, long‑term performance)

Practical benefits include standardized specimen handling, site selection and record keeping that improve comparability of field exposure results and inform material selection for real‑world atmospheric environments.

Related standards

Normative references include:

• ISO 9223, ISO 9225, ISO 9226 (corrosivity classification and measurement)
• ISO 8407 (removal of corrosion products)
• ISO 10289 (rating metallic coatings)
• ISO 4226, ISO 8044, ISO 9169 (air quality, corrosion terms, measurement systems)

Keywords: ISO 8565:2011, atmospheric corrosion testing, metals and alloys, corrosivity of atmospheres, exposure frames, corrosion test specimens, coatings.