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 duplex plate

Stirlings Australia now stocks stainless steel super duplex 2507 plate in sizes 3mm x 1.5 m x 6m, 5mm x 2m x 6m, 6mm x 2m x 6m, 8mm x 2m x 6m, 10mm x 2m x 6m, 12mm x 2m x 6m, 16 x 2m x 6m, 20mm x 2m x 6m, 25mm x 2m x 6m and 32mm x 2m x 4m.

ODS acquires Teuling

The Dutch Klöckner & Co. subsidiary ODS BV has concluded a contract for the acquisition of the Dutch distribution company Teuling Staal BV.

Sandvik SAF 2707 HD®

Sandvik has launched a new hyper-duplex stainless steel, designed and developed to increase operating performance and extend service life in severely corrosive heat exchanger applications.

Stellite® Alloys turns 100

Deloro Stellite, a long time provider of wear resistant products to most industries, is celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Stellite alloys (1907 - 2007).

Rolled Alloys acquires

Rolled Alloys has announced the recent acquisition of SMS Alloys. Located in the city of Lyon, approximately 260mi south of Paris, this 16,000 sq ft facility serves aerospace and corrosion resistant alloy customers throughout Central Europe and beyond.

KG Basin pipeline project

PSL Ltd has recently bagged an order worth USD 21 million for the gas field known as KG-DNN-98/3, within the KG Basin in the Bay of Bengal, India.

BP shuts down offshore oil field

BP PLC has shut down an offshore oil field in the Arctic Ocean after a small leak was detected in a gas line.

Halifax Harbour restoration

By 2010, three sewage treatment plants, made almost entirely of stainless steel, will help to restore Halifax harbour (Nova Scotia, Canada) to its original purity.

2205 HR duplex SS strips

Baosteel has become the first Chinese steel maker to successfully produce 2205 hot rolled high strength duplex stainless steel strip.

Stainless skin for memorial

Three stainless steel spires soar skyward above the greater Washington DC area, evocative of the “bomb-burstâ€? flying formation performed by US Air Force jets.


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.