Korozijai

Korozijai is the process by which materials, especially metals, deteriorate through chemical or electrochemical reactions with their surroundings. It is a natural and widespread phenomenon that can affect safety, performance, and longevity of structures, machines, and components.

Most corrosion proceeds via redox reactions in which metal atoms lose electrons to oxidizing agents such as oxygen, water, or chloride ions. In aqueous environments, the formation of oxide or hydroxide layers can either protect the metal or, if defective, accelerate pitting and other forms of degradation. Temperature, humidity, pH, salinity, and the presence of pollutants influence the rate and outcome of corrosion.

Common forms of corrosion include uniform corrosion (even thinning of a surface), galvanic corrosion (accelerated loss at an anodic metal in electrical contact with a more noble metal), pitting corrosion (localized pits), crevice corrosion (in gaps), intergranular corrosion (along grain boundaries), and stress corrosion cracking (cracking under tensile stress in a corrosive environment).

Prevention and control rely on design, material choice, and protective measures. Techniques include protective coatings and paints, sacrificial or impressed-current cathodic protection, passivation to form stable oxide layers, corrosion inhibitors in fluids, and avoiding crevices or stagnant pockets. Regular maintenance and inspection are essential to detect early signs of attack.

Assessment methods include weight-loss measurements, electrochemical techniques such as polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and non-destructive testing combined with visual inspection.

Korozijai has significant implications in construction, piping, shipping, energy, and manufacturing, where corrosion management improves safety, reliability, and total life-cycle costs.