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.

SSC-6MO stainless steel

Sandmeyer Steel Co. has added SSC-6MO (UNS N08367) to its extensive line of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and nickel alloy plate and plate products.

Sandvik steel bar approved

Sandvik has received StatoiL approval for its stainless steel bar in full accordance with the Norsok M650 Rev 3 for use in oil and gas applications.

Alternative stainless grades

Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) has outlined new and emerging stainless steel grades, which may be considered as alternatives to the traditional and widely known varieties.

New stainless steel grade TTS443

China-based Taiyuan Iron & Steel Group (Tisco) has developed a new grade of stainless steel titled TTS443 and has already achieved sales totaling 3000tns in a short period of time.

BMW stainless showroom

BMW Welt in Munich, Germany, is BMW’s new glass-and-steel palace for car delivery and brand experience.

MARAFIQ desalination plant

The MARAFIQ desalination plant in Saudi Arabia, built by SIDEM of France, uses 10,000tns of duplex stainless steel in grades SAF 2304® and 2205 from Outokumpu, out of a total quantity of 16,500tns for the plant.

Sandvik receives Sellafield order

The scope of Sandvik's specialist manufacturing capability for steel tubes for the power generation industry has resulted in a major order for British Nuclear Fuels' reprocessing plant at Sellafield in Cumbria, UK.

SOCOTHERM awarded USD 11 million contract

Socotherm has been awarded an offshore contract in Vietnam for a total value of about USD 11 million through the subsidiary Socotherm Americas S.A.

IMS to buy Cotubel

International Metal Service (IMS) is in talks with Marcegaglia to buy the Italian company's stainless steel distributor Cotubel.

Low-nickel stainless rebar

In order to mitigate the market influence caused by high nickel prices, Carpenter Technology Corp. (USA), a global manufacturer of stainless steel, has developed a new stainless reinforcing bar with lower nickel compositions.


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.