Mállása

Mállása is a Hungarian term used to describe the peeling, flaking, or shedding of a surface layer on a material. The word refers to the process by which material detaches from a surface in thin pieces or scales, often due to deterioration, weathering, or poor adhesion. While commonly applied to metal surfaces and paints, málása can also describe similar delamination in plaster, ceramic glazes, or coatings.

Causes include chemical corrosion, atmospheric oxidation, moisture ingress, temperature cycling, salt exposure, mechanical impact, and aging of protective coatings. In metals, málása often accompanies or follows corrosion, as rust layers crack and detach from the substrate, exposing fresh material to further attack. In painted or coated systems, it denotes peeling or flaking of the coating, sometimes after blistering or crazing of the surface.

Diagnosis typically involves visual inspection, texture and adhesion observations, and, in technical settings, adhesion tests or microscopy to determine the extent and underlying cause. Prevention focuses on preventing moisture ingress, improving surface preparation, selecting compatible coatings, and applying appropriate protective barriers. Regular maintenance and environmental control help slow málása, extending the service life of affected materials.

In summary, málása denotes the surface-layer detachment process seen across different materials, where failure of bonding or chemical degradation leads to shedding of material from the substrate. See also: corrosion, delamination, flaking, scaling.