Corrosion Behavior of Trim Materials on Automobiles

This paper deals with the corrosion behavior of various exterior automotive trim materials including electroplated steel, stainless steel, stainless clad aluminum and anodized aluminum. The mechanisms of corrosion are discussed, particularly with regard to external appearance and galvanic corrosion of painted auto-body steel adjacent to the trim. Field tests on the various trim materials are described including six year service performance with stainless clad aluminum. Quality control tests for these materials which are currently utilized are listed and described.