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.

TW Metals expands UK stock

Investment in increasing its stocks of stainless steel instrumentation tubes has enabled TW Metals to claim the widest range available from stock in the UK.

Mont Blanc Tunnel protected by stainless

The Mont Blanc tunnel has reopened following extensive work to repair the damage caused by the terrible fire of March 1999.

New bridge using stainless steel rebar

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), using highly alloyed stainless steel reinforcing bar in its concrete structures

People moved by stainless

Significant petrol savings, longer service life, lighter tare weight and reduced maintenance costs are just a few features of Australia’s first stainless steel bus.

Titanium study project

SINTEF Materials Technology, Norway, and the Corrosion and Surface Engineering Research Group of Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, are to collaborate on a joint industry project to study the advantages and costs of using titanium as compared to other materials.

Electralloy expands production of Nitronic

Electralloy has announced the addition of Nitronic 50W® and Nitronic 60W® .062 diameter weld wire to its stocking programme.

New welding consumables for nuclear industry

Sandvik Steel has launched a new range of welding wire, covered and strip electrodes and fluxes for welding nuclear steam generator tubing.

Couplers engineered for power transmission

Multi-Beam coupler Huco Engineering Industries has re-engineered its helical beam coupler design for use in power transmission applications.

Corrosion-resistant cladding

Metrode Products’ new 45% longer Nimrod 625 electrode, which achieves high productivity levels in the downhand/flat or H-V positions, has been designed to improve efficiency when applying corrosion- or heat-resistant cladding to low alloy steels.

Aquila acquires Welding Services

Aquila Power Services Corporation, a newly formed holding company of First Reserve Corporation, has announced the acquisition of Welding Services Inc (WSI).


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.