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 expands hollow bar stocks

Sandvik Materials Technology has expanded its manufacturing and stock programme for enhanced machinability stainless steel hollow bar to include sizes up to 420mm outside diameter.

Stainless leak-free plugs

Lee Products' new stainless-steel AFO (Axial Force Only) plugs are designed to handle high-pressure, high-temperature manifold applications, such as those occurring in the petrochem and offshore oil industry.

Valves for flue gas

Stainless Valve Company (North Carolina, USA) has supplied two of its 48" Big Knife valves for flue gas application, made in duplex stainless steel 2205.

NACE revises refinery standard

NACE International announces NACE Standard RP0170-2004, "Protection of Austenitic Stainless Steels and Other Austenitic Alloys from Polythionic Acid Stress Corrosion Cracking During Shutdown of Refinery Equipment," a revised standard developed by NACE Task Group 173.

Italian water projects

Stainless steel is playing a crucial role in some recent water-related projects in northern Italy.

Rouging Workshop at SSW America 2004

Several leading corrosion scientists/engineers who are very knowledgeable in the field of rouging have agreed to be panellists at the Rouging Workshop to be held at Stainless Steel World America 2004.

Thin steel belts

Sandvik Process Systems is set to expand its presence in the conveying market with the introduction of ultra-thin steel belts.

Harder stainless steel

Tanaka Limited of Osaka, Japan, has developed a plasma carburisation treatment that hardens the surface of austenitic stainless steel nuts and bolts.

Long-term support for leisure flumes

Early in 2002, Advanced Metals International supplied super duplex steel AMINOX R 255 strands to replace corroded Type 316 strands used to support flumes in leisure complexes at Clydebank and Dumbarton in Scotland.

Titanium for Dubai desalination plant

Titania SpA (Terni, Italy) and its subsidiary Deutsche Titan GmbH (Essen, Germany) are supplying 160 metric tons of titanium tubes for the construction of a seawater desalination plant in Dubai.


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.