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 solenoid operator

New ATEX approved flameproof solenoid operator with 316L stainless steel or cast iron enclosures have been introduced by ASCO/JOUCOMATIC.

New stainless steel for auto tanks

JFE Steel Corp. has developed a ferritic stainless steel, JFE-SX1l, with the corrosion resistance and formability required for automobile fuel tanks and other fuel system applications.

Sandvik upgrades duplex bar

Sandvik Materials Technology has enhanced the machinability of its Sandvik Sanmac grade SAF 2205, duplex stainless steel round bar.

New stainless pneumatic linear actuator

SMC Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products, has announced the introduction of the Series CG5 stainless steel pneumatically driven linear actuator.

Parker extends manifold range

Parker Instrumentation has extended the versatility of its high-integrity manifold range, with new exotic alloy versions to assure corrosion-free performance in a wider range of fluid instrumentation applications.

Stainless actuator

SMC Corporation has announced the introduction of the Series CG5 stainless steel pneumatically driven linear actuator.

Super stainless steel chain

A joint venture of Sugiyama (Japan) and Cross + Morse (UK) has developed a new chain series made of super stainless steel.

Duplex productivity boost

Ongoing product development, including modifications and refinements to the steel chemistry, have enabled Sandvik Materials Technology to further enhance the machinability of Sandvik Sanmac grade SAF 2205 duplex stainless steel round bar.

New steel grade in Tubacex

For seamless pipes and tubes, a 6 Moly steel grade has been incorporated to the production programme of TTI-Tubacex Tubos Inoxidables SA.

Enclosures in stainless steel

Rittal's TS8 enclosure range is now available in grade 304 stainless steel.


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.