The ASTM D4048-97 standard, developed by the American Testing and Materials Association (ASTM), defines a test method for determining the abrasiveness of lubricating grease against copper.
Copper corrosion testing is performed to ensure that a grease will protect the metal surfaces it comes into contact with over time. During testing, a copper strip sample is first polished. The sample is then completely immersed in a tightly packed grease sample, which is heated in an oven or liquid bath at a specified temperature for a specified period of time. Commonly used test conditions are a temperature of 24 degrees for 100 hours. Both time and temperature conditions may vary depending on the product application. At the end of this heating period, the copper strip is removed from the grease, excess grease is wiped off, and then the copper coupon is washed with acetone. The copper strip is then visually evaluated against ASTM copper strip corrosion standards.
This test is commonly performed in automotive companies to determine the suitability of a lubricant for lubricating parts such as bearings containing copper or copper alloys, as corrosion can cause premature bearing failure. This test does not measure the grease's ability to prevent copper corrosion caused by factors other than the grease itself, nor does it measure the grease's stability in the presence of copper. However, it does provide protection over time for the metal surface it contacts.
Test results are evaluated as follows:
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