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.

RTI to supply titanium to Inco

RTI International Metals Inc. is to provide the titanium alloy for a USD 1.4 billion nickel-cobalt mining facility being developed by Inco Ltd. at Goro in the French Overseas Territory of New Caledonia.

Marine alloys explained

Columbia Metals Ltd (UK) has produced a new Marine Alloys Catalogue.

New stock alloy from Philip Cornes

Nickel alloy and special stainless steels distributor Philip Cornes has announced that it now has stock availability of the nickel, chromium, molybdenum alloy C-22 (UNS N06022).

Composite beats normal electroless nickel coatings

Poeten Industries (Gloucester, UK) has introduced a new material, Apticote 425, a super-corrosion-resistant electroless nickel composite claimed to outperform traditional electroless nickel coatings by up to 20 times.

Golden choice

Two 2205 duplex stainless steel elution columns over 12 metres long have been installed in a replacement project at Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines in Western Australia.

Shock absorber resists corrosion

Hoerbiger-Origa has expanded its range of miniature industrial shock absorbers or linear decelerators, with 38 versions of a corrosion-resistant model called Armor Line.

Grip-bar makes economic sense

As a result of greater production efficiency, Grip-Bar from Stainless UK Ltd is available at the most competitive price since its launch six years ago.

Stainless rebar for high strength

Carpenter Technology Corporation, through its subsidiary Talley Metals Technology Inc., is now producing several grades of high-strength stainless steel rebar that have been used for concrete reinforcement in a wide range of construction projects where structures require long term resistance to the attack of chlorides from the concrete, road salt and harsh marine environments.

New couplings from Lovejoy

A new design of Jaw In-Shear elastomeric couplings from Lovejoy, Inc., designated JIS 6-Pin, improves the no-tools elastomeric element locking system, adds six larger sizes extending maximum bore up to 9�, and introduces a JIS spacer-type series intended as non-lubricated, drop-in replacements for grid spacer couplings.

IOM Academy launched

The Materials Processing Initiative (MPI) of the Institute of Materials, has launched the IOM Academy to provide industry with interactive, online, training packages in materials engineering.


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.