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.

SS locks made to IP65

Elesa now has stainless steel versions of the CQ lock with 90 deg opening and IP65 protection.

SS mopeds and bikes

Di Blasi Industriale Srl has constructed mopeds and bicycles made of stainless steel, which makes them suitable for use in sea-side locations, where corrosion is a constant danger for those made with carbon steel.

Trinamet SS

Carpenter Technology Corp. has developed Trinamet™, a martensitic magnetic stainless steel with a combination of three characteristics critical to the fastener industry good corrosion resistance, high heat treated hardness and excellent cold formability.

Prudhoe Bay oil field shutdown

BP Exploration Alaska Inc. has begun an orderly and phased shutdown of the Prudhoe Bay oil field following the discovery of unexpectedly severe corrosion and a small spill from a Prudhoe Bay oil transit line.

Chrome-plated SS bar

Van Leeuwen Wheeler is now offering an exclusive in the supply of ranges of chrome-plated stainless steel bars, including a grade that is a completely new specification to the UK market.

EUROCORR2006

The Netherlands Corrosion Centre is busy organising EUROCORR2006 (www.eurocorr2006.nl), an European congress in the field of corrosion.

Free Anopol anti-corrosion guide

Anopol has published an illustrated guide, available free, detailing how to protect the various grades from post-fabrication corrosion.

Stainless miniature chain sprockets

An expanded series of 17 stainless steel .1475 Pitch miniature chain sprockets introduced by Stock Drive Products are designed for applications and provide a high degree of position control, low backlash, good tensile strength, as well as corrosion resistance.

Stainless tubes replace graphite

Following extensive material trials and technical cooperation with a major phosphoric acid producer, Sandvik Materials Technology has been rewarded with an order for Sandvik Sanicro 28™ grade seamless stainless steel tubes.

BSI SS standards on CD-ROM

BSI Business Information has published a collection of essential stainless steel standards on one CD-ROM to include all three available parts of BS EN 10088 Stainless steels.


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.