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.

Sandvik secures steam generator tubes order

Sandvik Materials Technology has secured a multi-year contract worth USD 256 million from Areva SA to supply steam generator tubes for use in nuclear power plants.

Stainless storage tanks buying guide

Industrial Leaders has introduced its new marketplace of material handling products with offers for plastic, metal and fiberglass tanks.

AsiaTAC Meeting

MTI has announced that its 2009 AsiaTAC Meeting (formerly named SinoTAC) will be held at the Renaissance Zhongshan Park Hotel in Shanghai on 23–25 September of this year.

Kjellberg Finsterwalde at Schweißen & Schneiden

Kjellberg Finsterwalde has announced that it will highlight its plasma cutting with HiFocus technology, automated change of torch heads, plasma powder deposition welding, and newArc technology at the trade fair Schweißen & Schneiden 2009 on 14-19 September in Essen, Germany.

Stainless flux-cored wires

Lincoln Electric has expanded its UltraCore® line of flux-cored wires to include six stainless wires for welding a variety of stainless steels.

New duplex grade from Stalatube

Stalatube Oy product range now includes the full size range of lean duplex grade LDX2101 (EN 1.4162, S32101).

MTI Awards Materials Engineering Scholarship

MTI has awarded University of Cincinnati student David Cole with its second annual Bert Krisher Memorial Scholarship.

Stainless brewhouse equipment

TFG Austline, a company of stainless steel fabricators and specialised welders, which is accredited by the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA), has been commissioned to install new brewhouse and fermentation equipment for Little Creatures Brewery, based in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Wrap SealTM Pipe repair

New to the European market, SynTherm has introduced Wrap Seal quick repair kit for pipe leaks.

ISSF publishes new brochures

International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) has published new brochures and animations during its thirteenth Annual Conference in Hong Kong.


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.