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.

Bi-metallic pipes for oil and gas fields

Check out this great case study about pipes in the North Sea in the June Stainless Steel World   

Matcor appoints Sheldon to head Engineering

MATCOR, Inc. has appointed Chris Sheldon as the new Director of Engineering. Sheldon brings more than 25 years of engineering experience in the electric and gas utility sector to the company and will report directly to President & CEO, Jeff Stello.

Where there’s muck there’s brass…*

Or to bring this proverb firmly into the 21st century: where there’s a need for man-made fertilizers, you’ll find copious amounts of corrosion resistant alloys as well!

Outokumpu to deliver duplex for biogas tanks

Outokumpu will deliver stainless steel to Börger GmbH. The duplex will be used to build tanks required in biogas production. This order marks Outokumpu's first order for the newly launched duplex steel grade LDX 2404®.  The steel will be produced at the Outokumpu in Avesta, Sweden. LDX 2404® is the ideal choice for the tanks due to the high corrosion resistance and superior mechanical properties of the steel.

Pflanz, recipient of Bert Krisher Scholarship

Ulrich Pflanz has received the 2011 MTI Bert Krisher Memorial Scholarship from The Materials Technology Institute (MTI). Pflanz recently earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Surface Technology and Materials Science at the Aalen University in Germany. The award was presented by MTI Board Members Robert Sinko of Eastman Chemicals and Paul Manning from Haynes International at NACE’s Corrosion 2011 Conference in Houston, Texas.

Alternative technology for deep sea pipelines

Evonik Industries and Swagelining Limited are developing a lining solution as part of a joint development. Instead of the corrosion resistant alloy pipes traditionally used for many offshore oil production flowlines, the two companies are now creating a combination of established liner technology from Swagelining and the custom-tailored VESTAMID® polyamide 12 from Evonik. When compared to corrosion resistant alloy pipes

Herbert H. Uhlig Award for Prof Thomas Ladwein

Thomas L. Ladwein, chair for electrochemistry, corrosion and tribology at Aalen University of Applied Science, Germany, was the recipient of the prestigious “Herbert H. Uhlig Award” from NACE International. The award was given during the annual conference recently held in Houston, Texas to honor Professor Ladwein’s exemplary efforts in academic corrosion education.

TITAN opens new facilities in India

TITAN Metal Fabricators has opened a wholly-owned production subsidiary in India. TITAN Metal Fabricators India is TITAN’s first expansion outside of the United States. This new operation includes manufacturing facilities in Mathura, 90mi south of New Delhi

Amsterdam hosts the 2011 Gastech

The Gastech show – where the commercial and technical worlds meet – has just concluded in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Check our video interviews!

Outokumpu relaunches high-end stainless grade

Outokumpu has relaunched its high-performance stainless steel grade Outokumpu 654 SMO®. Providing superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, the grade is poised to move the boundaries of stainless steel by offering a cost-effective alternative for a range of applications.


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.