Korrosie

Korrosie is the deterioration of materials, particularly metals, caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with the surrounding environment. In Afrikaans and Dutch, the term korrosie corresponds to the English word corrosion. The process commonly affects steel and iron, producing iron oxides (rust), but can also damage aluminum, copper, reinforced concrete, and certain polymers under specific conditions. Corrosion arises from an electrochemical cell: metal surfaces act as anodes and undergo oxidation while cathodic reactions reduce species such as oxygen or water, facilitated by moisture, salts, acids, and heat.

Several forms occur. Uniform corrosion leads to even surface degradation; pitting corrosion creates small pits; crevice corrosion occurs in confined spaces; galvanic corrosion happens between dissimilar metals; intergranular corrosion occurs at grain boundaries; and stress corrosion cracking arises from the combination of tensile stress and a corrosive environment.

Prevention and control include selecting materials with better corrosion resistance and applying protective coatings such as paints, galvanizing, or plating. Cathodic protection with sacrificial anodes or impressed current can reduce metal loss, while corrosion inhibitors may be used in fluids. Design choices that minimize crevices, improve drainage, and allow drying, along with environmental control and regular inspection, help manage corrosion. Maintenance and monitoring are essential to detect early signs of damage.

Detection and measurement rely on visual inspection and non-destructive techniques such as ultrasonic thickness measurement, radiography, and eddy-current testing, as well as corrosion coupons for rate estimation. Korrosie has significant economic implications across infrastructure, energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors worldwide.