Corrosion

Definition of Corrosion

Corrosion is defined as a refined metal that is naturally converted to a more stable form such as its hydroxide or sulphide state. Metal corrodes when it reacts with another substance such as oxygen, hydrogen or bacteria. Corrosion can also happen when metals are placed under too much stress causing the material to crack. Corrosion leads to deterioration of the material.

Stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant, making it suitable for use in environments where exposure to moisture, chemicals, or harsh conditions such as salt water is expected.

In this section you can find newsitems related to all types of corrosion such as stress corrosion cracking, intergranular corrosion, pitting, and corrosion fatigue. If you wish to include your news release on our website and email newsletter, please feel free to contact the editor.

Acerinox Prize winner 2016

The Acerinox Award is open to university undergraduates whose final project degree, or Master project or study relates to stainless steels, either on their use, research and development.

KENT’s Stainless HCR a new metal powder coating

The recently introduced Stainless HCR by KENT protects stainless steel and other metals against heat, moisture and corrosion.

Stainless steel for stairs & interior architecture

Stairs are an architectural feature that lend themselves to innovative design, coupled with the need today for comfort, safety and low cost.

New weld procedures for duplex and superduplex

Pruce Newman has recently completed a new set of qualified welding procedure specifications specifically for duplex and superduplex stainless steels.

Viemme invest in new storage & retrieval solution

Italian precision parts manufacturer, Viemme, has invested in a new storage and retrieval solution from Kardex Remstar, allowing the company to save space, better protect goods, increase efficiency, and improve working conditions.

TISCO listed as one of the national key R&D scheme

The “high strength & high corrosion-resistant stainless steel and its applicationâ€? project jointly applied and participated in by many units amongst whom TISCO is listed as one of the national key R&D schemes for upgrade and industrialization of key basic material technologies.

VacInox stainless steel plate heat exchangers

Kelvion has recently satisfied the strictest requirements for applications involving potable water supplies and industrial processes with its VacInox plate heat exchanger series.

Pursuing full quality in stainless steels at YXSS

Danieli Group’s new billet grinding facility, to be installed in Huzhou, will soon perform full skin conditioning (corner- and spot-conditioning methods included) on a wide array of special steels, including stainless grades 200, 300, and 400 series), and high-temperature and anticorrosion alloy steels.

Packaging sausages on the high seas

RINGSPANN with its new FBS series freewheels makes life easier for manufacturers of food processing machines and packaging systems.

Outokumpu stainless steel strengthens dam locks

Outokumpu has recently delivered duplex stainless steel for the two locks, or spillway gates, in the upgraded Lossendammen dam structure in Central Sweden.


Corrosion can be a big problem because it can cause significant damage and deterioration to various materials, particularly metals. We have listed below several reasons why corrosion is a significant concern:

Structural Integrity: Corrosion weakens the structural integrity of materials. When metals corrode, they lose their strength and load-bearing capacity, which can lead to failures and collapses in infrastructure, buildings, bridges, pipelines, and other critical structures.

Economic Impact: Corrosion imposes substantial economic costs. The direct expenses associated with corrosion include repairs, replacements, and maintenance of corroded structures and equipment. Additionally, there are indirect costs such as production losses, decreased efficiency, and increased energy consumption due to the effects of corrosion on industrial processes and machinery.

Environmental Consequences: Corrosion can have adverse environmental effects. For example, in the case of pipelines, corrosion can lead to leaks and spills of hazardous substances, causing soil and water pollution and damaging ecosystems.

Health and Safety Risks: Corrosion can create health and safety risks in various ways. For instance, when corrosion affects pipelines or storage tanks carrying toxic substances, it can lead to leaks or releases that endanger the health of workers, communities, and the environment.

Maintenance and Downtime: Corrosion necessitates regular maintenance and inspection programs to detect and mitigate its effects. This requires significant time, effort, and financial resources. Additionally, when corrosion-related issues arise, it often requires shutting down operations, causing downtime and productivity losses.

Given these reasons, it is crucial to understand and address corrosion through preventive measures, protective coatings, corrosion-resistant materials, regular inspections and testing (ASTM B117), and appropriate maintenance practices to mitigate its impact and ensure the longevity and safety of structures and equipment.