When exposed to the elements in the environment, metal structures will suffer deterioration in structural strength. Thus, aside from the cost savings, corrosion can result in public and industrial safety issues. Fundamental understanding of these phenomenon is very crucial to the assessment of the most appropriate means of corrosion prevention strategy.
Corrosion prevention is aimed at lengthening the lifespan of metal structures and other concrete surface materials.
Nowadays, we are beginning to depend more and more on light equipment such as computers, high energy batteries and sophisticated telecommunication equipments. While these are less subject to serious rusting, they are very sensitive to microscopic-level corrosion. The requirements for materials, processes, techniques, and tasks required to integrate an effective corrosion prevention and control program are to be implemented during all its phases are all vital to learn.
For example, materials used in aerospace, power generation and even in car engines have to resist sustained periods at high temperature in which they may be exposed to an atmosphere containing potentially highly corrosive products of combustion. Coatings of zinc achieve corrosion prevention of the protected metal by the formation of a physical obstruction, and by functioning as an anode if this obstruction is destroyed. On exposure of zinc to the atmosphere, zinc oxide is formed by the reaction of zinc with oxygen that further reacts with molecules of water in the air to form zinc hydroxide.
Pitting corrosion is the localized corrosion of a metal surface confined to a point or small area, which takes the form of cavities. It is one of the most damaging forms of corrosion.
On the other hand, most corrosion prevention technology today can provide the level of protection required for in demand industries. Protected surface areas can last indefinitely but exposed surfaces will typically last 6 months or so.
The Corrosion Prevention Solution
In corrosion prevention applications, the controlled space is maintained at a specific relative humidity and temperature so that the products or material in the controlled space cannot absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.
For applications on plain steel, maximum corrosion prevention is assured if the surfaces are free from corrosive materials, such as chlorinated and sulfonated cutting oils, coolants, lubricants, and drawing compounds. A variety of chemical treatments and coatings on the fasteners as well as barriers between the dissimilar metals may be evaluated for corrosion prevention between the aluminum and cold rolled or galvanized steel.
There are protective barrier products including water-, oil-, or solvent-based and can form many types of protection surfaces. By combining these products one may achieve a very effective solution of the corrosion protection of a material and its package. Extensive product range is suitable for use in a wide range highly corrosive environments with operating temperatures ranging from sub-zero to 250C.
In the case of chromate coatings, it were never used in potable water systems and have been phased out in industrial applications. In addition to increasing the service life of existing pipe infrastructure, the anti-corrosion properties of the coatings will enable the transport of water sources that are high in corrosive agents for non-potable applications. Like hydrazine, the use of chromate to protect metal surfaces has been limited and it is banned from some products.
Do remember that certain solutions are insoluble that they will deposit as a passive layer on the metal surface and may reduce the rate of corrosion as in the case of stainless steels.
The quantity of energy then strongly depends on a host of variables, including the types of ions in a solution and their concentrations, and the number of electrons present at the metal's surface. In turn, corrosion processes cause electrochemical changes, meaning that they strongly affect all of these variables.
There are actually instances that a corrosion protection treatment can make the problem of corrosion worse in the long run! Most corrosion protection hardens and eventually cracks from vehicle flex and chips from abrasion. The compromised surface creates a breeding place for corrosion, accelerating the rusting process underneath the so-called "corrosion prevention".
When working with a technical staff on a corrosion prevention solution, it is very important to understand the environment in which the component is working in. Material engineers must use that information to engineer a coating solution specific to that component needs.
Simple Notes to Prevent Corrosion
One of the best ways to stay away from the impact of corrosion is to prevent rust.
Simply removing an object away from water and keeping an area free from moisture will keep rusting at bay.
Look for the latest products. Hardware stores often sell drying agents that keep moisture an area moisture-free.
You may have noticed packets of silica gel with the notice "don't eat" on them in items that you've purchased. These prevent moisture accumulation, which preserves the life of the item.
There are humidity-detector cards that can be placed in an area to monitor humidity levels.
Use a metal that is thick enough to maintain structure as rust may form on its surface.
Apply a sealing agent, such as a wax-based product or paint. This is to keep moisture from infecting the metal.
