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.

Arc Energy Resources to clad Vulcan SFM wye pieces

Arc Energy Resources, a weld overlay cladding specialist, has completed a contract to apply a corrosion resistant surface to the internal bores of two forged wye pieces destined for BP’s Clair Ridge development west of Shetland in the North Sea.

HFT®’s new Tube weld purge systems®

Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® has reached the fifth version of its Tube and Pipe Weld Purge System designs by launching the new PurgElite® range of Tube and Pipe Weld Purging systems for diameters from 1” to 24” diameter. These systems are suitable for all industries using stainless steel tubes and pipes from highly specialised biogas and semiconductor fields, right along to other industries such as those where the required quality may be less critical. In particular, PurgElite® systems can be used where the internal surfaces may be polished to ensure minimum entrapment and low corrosion resistance.

Essar Steel launches wood-finish steel products

Essar Steel, one of leading integrated steel producers in India, announced the launch of revolutionary wood-finish steel products for the Indian market. These products are a substitute for wood laminates used for interiors.

Tata Steel completes upgrade of auto coating line

newsitem Tata Steel has completed an upgrade of its corrosion-resistant coating line in South Wales to improve and expand the company’s range of high-value, high-formability automotive steels. The Zodiac plant is Tata Steel’s coil galvanising line at Llanwern.

Vallourec contributes to Brazil’s stadium-renovati

newsitem Vallourec would be providing structural seamless steel tubes for the renovation or the construction of Brazilian stadiums, prior to the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Vallourec’s Brazilian mill in Belo Horizonte supplied 10,500 tonne of tubes to equip nine stadiums.

Outokumpu unveils new products, pricing model

Outokumpu launched its latest addition to the duplex product family, the FDX platform, and introduced a new pricing model at the Outokumpu Experience in London, UK.

The new FDX product family exhibits a unique combination of price stable alloying with high strength and substantially improved formability.

Stainless Steel 301 for good corrosion resistance

Stainless Steel 301 is a commonly available austenitic stainless steel having good corrosion resistance and increased amount of carbon to allow for cold working to a range of tempers. Grade 301 stainless steel has high ductility for formed products.

Corrosion inevitable in stainless steel

Corrosion experts from UAE-based Marami Metal Plating strongly emphasize the need for stainless steel passivation treatments to prolong the process of inevitable corrosion especially in construction, oil and gas, marine and petroleum industries.

Quaker expands steel portfolio

Quaker Chemical Corporation has expanded its product offering in the steel industry with the addition of PRIMECOAT Surface Treatments and QUAKERTEK Specialty Greases. The Quaker PRIMECOAT Surface Treatment portfolio is used in the passivation process by which metal surfaces are converted into a protective corrosion preventing film that improves corrosion protection and exhibits excellent compatibility with paints and adhesives and good lubrication properties.

Outokumpu conducts a strategic review of its VDM u

Outokumpu has started a strategic review of its high performance alloys or VDM business unit. During this review, Outokumpu will evaluate strategic options for VDM and consider how best to drive continued growth and profitability for the business, within or outside of Outokumpu.


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.