corrosie

Corrosie, or corrosion, is the deterioration of materials, most commonly metals, caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions with their environment. The process can lead to material loss, changes in properties, and potential failure of components. Corrosion occurs in many settings, from industry and infrastructure to everyday objects, and is influenced by moisture, oxygen, salts, acids or bases, temperature, and electrical effects.

Several forms are recognized. Uniform corrosion affects the entire exposed surface more or less evenly. Localized forms include pitting, crevice corrosion, galvanic corrosion (between dissimilar metals), intergranular corrosion, and stress-corrosion cracking. Microbiologically influenced corrosion involves organisms that accelerate deterioration. Corrosion of reinforced concrete is common when steel reinforcement corrodes in the surrounding pore solution.

Causes are primarily electrochemical: metal atoms lose electrons (oxidation) and dissolve into the environment. The rate is governed by environmental conditions, alloy composition, surface films, and design features that promote moisture retention, crevices, or galvanic couples.

Prevention and mitigation strategies include applying protective coatings or platings, selecting corrosion-resistant alloys, and using cathodic protection (sacrificial anodes or impressed current). Inhibitors, environmental control, and design improvements to reduce crevices, moisture, and dissimilar metal contact are also used.

Measurement and monitoring involve estimating corrosion rate, typically in millimeters per year or mils per year, by weight loss, electrochemical techniques (such as polarization resistance or Tafel analysis), or real-time sensors. Regular inspection and maintenance remain essential to manage corrosion risk.

Corrosion has substantial economic and safety implications across industries such as oil and gas, construction, shipping, automotive, and electronics. Understanding corrosion informs material selection, design, and maintenance to extend service life and reliability.