Chemical safety testing of chemicals on aerospace alloys

Cleaning products, degreasers, process fluids, lubricants, corrosion inhibitors, paints, or surface treatments may interact with metallic materials. On aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, or superalloy parts, incompatibility may promote corrosion, coating deterioration, embrittlement, or the appearance of residues. Safety tests assess the absence of any harmful effect from a chemical product under a defined exposure scenario.

Filab laboratory also supports you with the following services:

• Safety testing of cutting fluids according to the PCS-4002 standard
• Safety testing of ingredients for temporary use according to PR-6300
• Analysis and qualification testing of process fluids and products
• Fluid qualification according to DASSAULT DGQT 0.4.2.0065
• Qualification of cutting fluids according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-000
• Fluid qualification according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-001
• Fluid qualification testing according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-003
• Fluid qualification testing according to SAFRAN PR 1500 (PR-1500)
• Fluid qualification testing according to Rolls-Royce CSS 129 and CSS 131
• PMUC fluid qualification testing and analysis
• Corrosion testing of cutting fluids on metal alloys
• Compatibility testing between industrial fluids and metallic materials
• Safety testing of chemical products on aerospace alloys
• Qualification of aerospace fluids according to BOEING BAC 5008
• Compatibility of process fluids with titanium alloys
• Compatibility of lubricants with nickel-based superalloys
• Chemical analysis and characterization of cutting fluids
• Physicochemical characterization of industrial lubricants
• Identification and quantification of additives in lubricants
• Detection of contaminants in industrial fluids
• Safety testing according to DMP 12-300 in the laboratory
• Safety testing according to SAFRAN DMP 6300
• Safety testing of fluids according to SAFRAN Landing Systems PCS-4001

The tests may reveal discolouration, loss of gloss, localised attack, pitting, filiform corrosion, coating flaking, or deposit formation. The examination is defined according to the part geometry, the functional area under consideration, and the project's acceptance criteria.

A relevant protocol specifies the alloy identification, its metallurgical condition, surface preparation, any coating present, and the number of samples. It also describes the product being evaluated, its concentration, application method, temperature, contact time, and the planned rinsing, drying, or ageing sequences.

In the event of an anomaly on a part, the Filab laboratory structures the investigation around representative samples: an affected area, an unaffected area, and, when available, the suspected product or a reference product. This comparison helps distinguish deterioration related to chemical exposure from other possible causes, such as poor surface preparation or contamination.

At the Filab laboratory, the study is designed based on the alloy grade, surface condition, the product being qualified, and representative stresses: concentration, temperature, contact time, immersion, localised application, or cycles. Macroscopic observations and targeted analysis make it possible to compare the initial condition with the condition after exposure, thereby objectively assessing material-product compatibility.

When interpretation requires additional data, the Filab laboratory uses suitable characterisation techniques. The search for contaminants or elements originating from the product may be supplemented by trace chemical analysis. The results help establish a link between chemical exposure, the observations made, and the composition of any residues.

Acceptance criteria are established before testing with the customer: absence of a defined visual defect, absence of detectable corrosion according to the selected method, limitation of residues, or maintenance of the expected properties. This preparation makes safety tests comparable, traceable, and directly usable for a qualification or investigation decision.

Identifying the composition of a product, deposit or residue may form part of a competitor product reverse-engineering process when the objective is to better understand the substances likely to interact with the material. Analytical methods are selected according to the nature of the sample and the technical question.

To prepare a study, provide the Filab laboratory with the alloy reference, surface characteristics, description of the chemical product, intended conditions of use, available samples and the expected decision level. The Filab laboratory then defines a suitable testing strategy: reproducing the exposure, observing the effects, analyzing any alterations and reporting interpretable results. Contact the Filab laboratory, describe your application and obtain a testing proposal.