Definition: Corrosion is the degeneration of materials by reaction with environment.

Rusting of automobiles Buildings and bridges Fogging of silverware Patina formation on copper

Metals corrode because we use them in environments where they are chemically unstable. Any spontaneous reaction in the universe is associated with a lowering in the free energy of the system.

a negative free energy change All metals

except the noble metals have free energies greater than their compounds. So they tend to become their compounds through the process of corrosion.

All metallic corrosion are electrochemical reactions

metal is converted to its compound with a

transfer of electrons. The overall reaction may be split into oxidation (anodic) and, reduction (cathodic) partial reactions.

Dust particles and man-made pollution

CO, NO, methane, etc.

Temperature
high T & high humidity accelerates corrosion.

Rainfall
excess washes corrosive materials and debris but

scarce may leave water droplets.

Proximity to sea Air pollution

NaCl, SO2, sulfurous acid, etc.

Humidity
cause condensation.

Material selection Improvements in material Design of structures

Alteration

of environment

Cathodic & Anodic protection Coatings

Lower temperature
but there are cases where increasing T

decreases attack. E.g hot, fresh or salt water is raised to boiling T and result in decreasing O2 solubility with T.

Reduce velocity
exception ; metals & alloys that passivate (e.g

stainless steel) generally have better resistance to flowing mediums than stagnant. Avoid very high velocity because of erosion-corrosion effects.

Remove oxygen/oxidizers
boiler feedwater was deaerated by passing it thru a

large mass of scrap steel. Modern practice vacuum treatment, inert gas sparging, or thru the use of oxygen scavengers. However, not recommended for active-passive metals or alloys. These materials require oxidizers to form protective oxide films.

Change concentration
higher concentration of acid has higher amount

of active species (H ions). However, for materials that exhibit passivity, effect is normally negligible.

Add Inhibitors
Adsorption type, (Organic amines, azoles) H evolution poisons, (As & Sb) Scavengers, (Sodium sulfite & hydrazine) Oxidizers, (Chromates, nitrates, ferric salts)

Corrosion is a natural degenerative process affecting metals, non metals and even biological systems like the human body. Corrosion of engineering materials lead to significant losses. An understanding of the basic principles of corrosion and their application in the design and maintenance result in reducing losses considerably. Proper selection of methods is essential for optimizing cost. One or a number of methods may be used simultaneously for effective protection.