Corrosion is the process of eroding of the top layer of metals as a result of an electrochemical reaction with the environment. When metals are exposed to moisture or wetness, an orangish discolouration known as rust forms on the surface of the metal. This causes deterioration and the gradual destruction of the metal, if not treated effectively. The study of prevention of corrosion and its treatment is known as Corrosion Engineering.
There are many forms of corrosion. The most common types are explained below.
General Attack
Corrosion
This the most common type of corrosion which is also treatable. Also known as uniform attack corrosion, this phenomenon occurs when the entire surface of a metal is exposed to air or a wet surface which results in complete damage of the metal. General attack corrosion generally results in the most amount of destruction to the material however, it can be treated. Hence, it is also known to be the safest form of corrosion.
Galvanic
Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion is a phenomenon that occurs when two distinct metals come in contact with each other through an electrolyte. One metal acts as a cathode while the other metal behaves like an anode. The rate of corrosion of the anode metal is amplified while the cathode metal takes longer to deteriorate. Galvanic corrosion can occur only when both the metals are placed in an electrolyte that is susceptible to corrosive action when electricity is passed through it.
Concentrated
Corrosion
While general attack corrosion occurs on the entire surface of the metal, concentrated corrosion, also known as localised corrosion occurs on a particular area of the metal. It is of several types namely,
1.
Crevice Corrosion, as the name suggests,
this type of corrosion occurs in cramped spaces otherwise known as crevices.
This occurrence is common in areas which are stagnant and out of reach of
preventive sealants such as cracks, gaps between contact areas, underseals,
areas beneath piles, etc.
2. Pitting Corrosion, This type of corrosion occurs
when a small area on the metal’s surface is subjected to a certain amount of
moisture which causes this area to become anodic in nature. Galvanic corrosion
occurs on this concentrated spot and can cause decay of the metal up to the
extent of failure. Pitting is usually difficult to spot as it occurs in
minuscule areas at critical points and is often found out only after the
failure of the structure
3.
Filiform Corrosion, Filiform corrosion is a kind
of corrosion that occurs in crevices when water spreads to the surface in cases
such as underneath painted surfaces where the liquid is accumulated. It appears
in the form of threadlike structures or filaments that are randomly distributed.
It is also known as Underfilm corrosion or Filamentary corrosion.
Corrosion that occurs as a result
of a chemical attack on the surface of the metal at high temperatures that
usually range up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit or 400 degrees celsius.
High-temperature corrosion can also occur due to carbonisation,
high-temperature oxidisation and sulfidation
When the surface of the metal is exposed to flowing water, the top layer which is also the protective oxide layer is eradicated due to the fast flow of the water causing corrosion and further degeneration of the metal. Few types of flow accelerated corrosion are:
1. Impingement,
Impingement is a form of corrosion that is caused due to the impact of the
rapid flow of water against the surface of metal causing deterioration of the
material. This can cause significant damage to equipment in chemical
industries, power plants, etc.
2. Cavitation,
Cavitation is a type of corrosion that is caused as a result of the eruption of
gas bubbles on the surface of the metal. This occurs when there is a sudden and
unexpected release of pressure on the surface area caused by hydrodynamic fluid
conditions.
3. Erosion
assisted corrosion, Erosion assisted corrosion is the loss of the top
layer of metal due to the striking effect of particles suspended in a
fast-flowing liquid, gas, slurry, etc. The erosion of the layer wipes off the
protective oxidised layer which results in corrosion of the metal.
Intergranular Corrosion
This type of corrosion occurs at a granular level near the grain boundaries of the metal. It usually occurs when there is adulteration in higher quantity at the borders of the material. Thus, making the corners of the metal more susceptible to corrosion. This process is known as intergranular corrosion.
Environmental
Cracking
Environmental cracking is a form of corrosion that occurs
as a result of environmental factors surrounding the metal which causes the
material to corrode. There are several types of corrosion that occurs due to
environmental elements. They are:
- Corrosion
fatigue, Corrosion fatigue is the process of metal degradation or
‘fatigue’ of the metal due to its exposure to corrosive surroundings. Most
metals are exposed to a certain amount of stress during their lifecycle
where they are prone to corrosive environments.
- Hydrogen-induced
cracking, This phenomenon is caused when a high concentration of
hydrogen is exposed to the surface of a metal which causes withering of
the top layer of the material
- Liquid
metal embrittlement, Liquid metal embrittlement occurs when the
surface of a metal is exposed to certain liquid metals which causes a loss
in the tensile ductility property of the material making it brittle in
nature and causing fractures.
- Stress corrosion cracking, As the name suggests, stress corrosion cracking is the widening of cracks that were previously formed as a result of being exposed to a corrosive environment. This can cause the unexpected failure of the metal especially at high temperatures.
Fretting
Corrosion
Fretting corrosion is a result of stress being applied on the uneven or rough surface of metal including repeated vibrations, wear & tear, etc. Fretting corrosion usually occurs on machinery related to rotation and similar applications where the material is subjected to repeated vibrations.
De-Alloying
De-alloying, also called
selective leaching is a process where an alloy metal loses its reactive
property and regains the stable element of another element which is
non-corrosive in nature.
Source: https://www.buildersmart.in/blogs/types-of-steel-corrosion special thanks to Srujana T
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