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.

Fighting the corrosion menace

A new CD-ROM video from Parker Instrumentation highlights the problem of corrosion in offshore installations.

No corrosion after 12 years for stainless

A carefully drilled 1mm hole in the rear mid-frame of a 12 year-old Duple 425 coach, has provided evidence of the zero-corrosion performance of a high-performance stainless steel.

Stainless-steel silo

A corrosion- and abrasion-resistant stainless steel is being used for the first time in a municipal incineration plant handling waste ash.

New manager at TMR

TMR Stainless has appointed Dr Gary Carinci as a Senior Development Manager.

Flowmeters overcome technology limitations

Krohne has introduced Optimass, a new family of Coriolis mass flowmeters, in a bid to overcome previous limitations in technology and opens up a wide range of metering opportunities.

Metal spray process

Inovati (Santa Barbara, CA) has successfully developed a low-temperature metal deposition technique, Kinetic Metallization (KM).

Wychwood cleans up water supplies

Water purification systems designed play a key role in the production of multimedia DVDs.

Stainless hip stems

Sales of stainless steel, Furlong® Modular Hip Replacement Systems, produced by JRI Ltd, have increased significantly in the 12 months following a change from a standard vacuum melted stainless steel to Sandvik Steel’s Bioline® High-N (high nitrogen) stainless steel.

PEM fastening systems

A new patented PEM self-clinching stainless-steel panel fastener is the first designed to install "flush" (on one side) into thin stainless-steel sheets.

Nuovinox(TM) agreement in Japan

Stelax Industries Ltd (USA) and Sumisho Tekko Hanbai Co. Ltd (Japan) have executed an agreement with Stelax Industries Ltd for exclusive marketing and selling representation in Japan, for Nuovinox™ stainless steel clad products (such as round bars, deformed bars and flat bars).


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.