Adhesion Testing Methods

Additional Tests
Adherence Test

Figure 52: Stout Knife Test

Testing of the zinc coating adherence to the steel is achieved using a stout knife. The steps used in this test are listed below and a photo of the test being performed can be seen in Figure 52. The coating shall be deemed not adherent if it flakes off and exposes the base metal in advance of the knifepoint. The test is not an attempt to pare or whittle the zinc coating. If the coating is adherent the knife should put a slight mark in the zinc metal surface, but should not cause any delamination of the coating layers. Adhesion Test with a Stout Knife

Push down point of stout knife Coating must not flake off exposing the base metal Do not perform at edges or corners of the product No paring or whittling with knife is acceptable

Bending Test

The hot-dip galvanized coating on a steel bar must withstand bending without flaking or peeling when the bending test is preformed in accordance with the specifications in ASTM A 143. There are various tests used to assess the ductility of steel when subjected to bending. One test may include the determination of the minimum radius or diameter required to make a satisfactory bend. Another test may include the number of repeated bends that the material can withstand without failure when it is bent through a given angle and over a definite radius. Rebar is commonly bent prior to the hot-dip galvanizing process. Steel reinforcing bars bent cold prior to hotdip galvanizing should be fabricated to a bend diameter equal to or greater than the specified value in ASTM A 767/A 767M. However, steel reinforcing bars can be bent to diameters tighter than the specified values if they are stress relieved at a temperature of 900 to 1050 F (480 to 560 C) for one hour per inch (25mm) of diameter.

Chromating Test

The specification to determine the presence of chromate on zinc surfaces is ASTM B 201. This test involves placing drops of a lead acetate solution on the surface of the product, waiting 5 seconds, and then blotting it gently. If this solution creates a dark deposit or black stain, then there is unpassivated zinc present. A clear result indicates the presence of a chromate passivation coating.
Embrittlement Test

When there is suspicion of potential embrittlement of a product, it may be necessary to test a small group of the products to measure the ductility. These tests are usually destructive to the zinc coating and possibly to the product as well. Products suspected of embrittlement shall be tested according to the specification ASTM A 143. Depending on the service conditions the product will be exposed to, one of three embrittlement tests may need to be performed. These embrittlement tests include the similar bend radius test, sharp blow test, and steel angle test. The embrittlement test uses a known force to provide a stress that should be lower than the yield stress of the part. If there is a fracture or permanent damage created during the testing process, the parts must be rejected.