Corrosion

Corrosion is the process by which materials, usually metals, deteriorate and become weakened due to a reaction with their environment. It is a natural process that can be influenced by various factors such as moisture, air, and chemicals.

Types of Corrosion

Uniform Corrosion: This is the most common type of corrosion, and it occurs evenly over the entire surface of a metal.
Galvanic Corrosion: This occurs when two different metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte, leading to one of the metals deteriorating faster than normal.
Pitting Corrosion: This type of corrosion results in the formation of small pits or craters on the metal surface, which can lead to structural weakness.
Crevice Corrosion: It occurs in confined spaces, such as gaps and crevices, where the access of oxygen and other corrosive agents is limited.
Stress Corrosion Cracking: This occurs when a metal is under tensile stress and exposed to a corrosive environment, leading to the development of cracks.

Factors Affecting Corrosion

Corrosion can be influenced by various factors including:

Preventing Corrosion

There are several methods to prevent or reduce corrosion, including:

Coating the metal with protective layers such as paint or corrosion-resistant metals like zinc or stainless steel.
Applying corrosion inhibitors that can slow down the corrosion process.
Using cathodic protection, where a more reactive metal is connected to the metal being protected, acting as a sacrificial anode.
Controlling the environment, such as reducing moisture and exposure to corrosive chemicals.

Study Guide

When studying corrosion, it is important to understand the different types of corrosion, the factors that influence corrosion, and the methods used to prevent it. It is also helpful to be familiar with real-world examples of corrosion and its impact on various industries such as construction, transportation, and infrastructure.

Here are some key topics to focus on: