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.

Stainless steel for hygiene

Stainless steel for hygiene

The International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) has republished its document on Stainless Steel for Hygiene. The publication explains why stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and why it is so hygienic.
I

I, U and L profiles at one address

Stala Tube has manufactured high-quality (duplex) stainless steel hollow sections and I-beams for many years. The company develops its product portfolio based on customer feedback, with non-standard sizes and speciality stainless steel materials happily catered for.
Quick purge system cuts costs for pipework welding

Quick purge system cuts costs for pipework welding

Weld Purging large diameter pipework made from stainless, duplex and chrome steels, titanium or zirconium can be expensive, with requirements to have the oxygen level well below 100 ppm during the welding cycle.
Porvair launches Porvair Sinterguard® PHC and HTR

Porvair launches Porvair Sinterguard® PHC and HTR

Porvair Filtration Group has launched a range of surface modification technologies that can be applied to metallic filter elements to enhance their material properties in challenging environments, improving filter performance and lifetime.
ISSF: Stainless steel and safety

ISSF: Stainless steel and safety

The International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) has republished its document on Stainless Steels and Safety. The publication shows how stainless steel contributes to your safety every day, through a combination of its outstanding corrosion resistance, its high mechanical properties and its formability and energy absorption potential.
PurgEye Nano for welding titanium and stainless steel

PurgEye Nano for welding titanium and stainless steel

Titanium and stainless steel are both reactive alloys. When they are heated during the welding process, they will react with any air that is present, causing oxidation, which can lead to a loss of corrosion resistance properties.
AMF to use strong premium fasteners from BUMAX

AMF to use strong premium fasteners from BUMAX

European clamping manufacturer AMF of Germany has decided to use extra strong and corrosion-resistant screws from BUMAX for its zero-point clamping systems.
Dan’Roll team develops customized roll products

Dan’Roll team develops customized roll products

The Danieli Dan’Roll team develops customized roll products for flat steel and nonferrous metal producers, worldwide. Two recent cases in Europe show flexible projects execution meeting customers’ specific niche requests.A series of sink rolls designed and manufactured for a hot-dip galvanizing line has been commissioned at a plant in Poland.The supplied sink-rolls were made of high corrosion-resistant, ferrite-free AISI 316L stainless steel, cast using high-technology centrifugal processes to improve overall campaign life and reliability as compared to the original rolls.
Nickel Institute updates archive of technical guides

Nickel Institute updates archive of technical guides

Thirty significant technical publications originally produced by INCO and American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) have been refreshed and re-published by the Nickel Institute.
Vallourec innovates to develop X80 for sour conditions

Vallourec innovates to develop X80 for sour conditions

Vallourec aims to innovate constantly to meet its clients’ demands for tubular solutions for challenging oil & gas market projects.


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.