Standard Guide for Selection of Porosity Tests for Electrodeposits and Related Metallic Coatings

1.1 This guide describes some of the available standard methods for the detection, identification, and measurement of porosity in electrodeposited and related metallic coatings and provides some laboratory-type evaluations and acceptances. Some applications of the test methods are tabulated in Tables 2.

1.2 This guide does not apply to coatings that are produced by thermal spraying, ion bombardment, sputtering, and other similar techniques where the coatings are applied in the form of discrete particles impacting on the substrate.

1.3 This guide does not apply to beneficial or controlled porosity, such as that present in microdiscontinuous chromium coatings.

1.4 Porosity test results occur as chemical reaction end products. Some occur in situ, others on paper, or in a gel coating. Observations are made that are consistent with the test method, the items being tested, and the requirements of the purchaser. These may be visual inspection (unaided eye) or by 10X magnification (microscope). Other methods may involve enlarged photographs or photomicrographs.

1.5 The test methods are only summarized. The individual standards must be referred to for the instructions on how to perform the tests.

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

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.