What Are The Four Types Of Metal Corrosion?
Corrosion manifests in diverse forms, typically affecting metal components simultaneously. The combination of metals within a component and its exposure to varied environments often facilitates multiple types of corrosion. Environments may induce local corrosion types like pitting, crevice, intergranular, stress, and galvanic corrosion. Even a single metal alloy can experience various forms of corrosion based on its exposure to different environments across different parts of a system. In this blog, we will explore the four different types of corrosion and what makes each of them happen.
Cracking Due to Stress Corrosion
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a type of galvanic corrosion where mechanical and chemical forces, which might otherwise be harmless to a material, cause crack propagation, often at a microscopic level. If not detected early, SCC can lead to the sudden and unexpected failure of metals that are normally ductile. For SCC to occur, three conditions must be met: the presence of applied or residual stresses, exposure to a corrosive aqueous medium such as chlorides or hydrogen sulfide, and elevated temperatures.
Pitting Corrosion On Metals
Pitting corrosion occurs when the protective oxide layer on a stainless steel component is compromised by exposure to a corrosive water solution. This damage leads to an electrochemical reaction where the unprotected metal loses electrons through oxidation, resulting in the formation of small cavities known as “pits.” While pitting corrosion can often be detected through visual inspection, the full extent of the damage may not be immediately apparent. In some cases, the pits can become so deep that they perforate the material.
Common Erosion Corrosion
Erosion corrosion occurs when a corrosive liquid flows over a metal surface, accelerating its deterioration. This type of wear is typically visible to the naked eye and leads to the formation of grooves, craters, or valleys on the metal’s surface.
Crevice Corrosion
Crevice corrosion happens when the protective layer on a metal is damaged and occurs in the gaps or crevices between surfaces, like where the tubing meets supports or clamps. These crevices can trap dirt and deposits, making them hard to avoid during installations and posing a serious risk to stainless steel’s durability.
Top Metal Fabrication Company In New England
If you are looking for premium metal fabrication and delivery services, you have come to the right place. Markham Metals has been serving the Northeast for over thirty years with its premium custom metal services. Our family-run business prides itself on customer satisfaction and quality products. Our contact is the only one you need to save on your device. For the best and most affordable metal fabrication, come to Markham Metals. To get started on a free metal quote, call us at 978-658-1121 or fill out our online contact form.
Corrosion manifests in diverse forms, typically affecting metal components simultaneously. The combination of metals within a component and its exposure to varied environments often facilitates multiple types of corrosion. Environments may induce local corrosion types like pitting, crevice, intergranular, stress, and galvanic corrosion. Even a single metal alloy can experience various forms of corrosion based on its exposure to different environments across different parts of a system. In this blog, we will explore the four different types of corrosion and what makes each of them happen.
Cracking Due to Stress Corrosion
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a type of galvanic corrosion where mechanical and chemical forces, which might otherwise be harmless to a material, cause crack propagation, often at a microscopic level. If not detected early, SCC can lead to the sudden and unexpected failure of metals that are normally ductile. For SCC to occur, three conditions must be met: the presence of applied or residual stresses, exposure to a corrosive aqueous medium such as chlorides or hydrogen sulfide, and elevated temperatures.
Pitting Corrosion On Metals
Pitting corrosion occurs when the protective oxide layer on a stainless steel component is compromised by exposure to a corrosive water solution. This damage leads to an electrochemical reaction where the unprotected metal loses electrons through oxidation, resulting in the formation of small cavities known as “pits.” While pitting corrosion can often be detected through visual inspection, the full extent of the damage may not be immediately apparent. In some cases, the pits can become so deep that they perforate the material.
Common Erosion Corrosion
Erosion corrosion occurs when a corrosive liquid flows over a metal surface, accelerating its deterioration. This type of wear is typically visible to the naked eye and leads to the formation of grooves, craters, or valleys on the metal’s surface.
Crevice Corrosion
Crevice corrosion happens when the protective layer on a metal is damaged and occurs in the gaps or crevices between surfaces, like where the tubing meets supports or clamps. These crevices can trap dirt and deposits, making them hard to avoid during installations and posing a serious risk to stainless steel’s durability.
Top Metal Fabrication Company In New England
If you are looking for premium metal fabrication and delivery services, you have come to the right place. Markham Metals has been serving the Northeast for over thirty years with its premium custom metal services. Our family-run business prides itself on customer satisfaction and quality products. Our contact is the only one you need to save on your device. For the best and most affordable metal fabrication, come to Markham Metals. To get started on a free metal quote, call us at 978-658-1121 or fill out our online contact form.