What is Metal Corrosion?
To put it in simple terms, metal corrosion is the deterioration of a metal due to chemical reactions within itself and the environment it is surrounded by. Even though corrosion affects other materials as well, it is still primarily associated with deteriorating metals. Keep reading below to learn more about the topic!
How Do Metals Corrode?
A majority of metals do not naturally occur within their metallic state; it takes significant energy to separate the elements from compounds that they are naturally made from. When entropy increases, free energy must decrease, leading to atoms returning to a stable condition with low energy. Corrosion is the return of energy used to extract the atoms from their original low-energy state. Metals lose electrons during corrosion and become oxidized, while other substances gain electrons.
Most Common Types of Metal Corrosion
Visual observation can make it easy to identify the different types of metal corrosion. Since there are several types of corrosion, we have listed the descriptions and causes for you to understand more clearly.
Stress Corrosion Cracking
This type of corrosion consists of minor hairline fractures present along the metal. It’s an overall “bad” form of corrosion because the metal is seemingly stressed out. Keep in mind that all metals have their limits, making stress corrosion more likely to occur when limits are reached.
Pitting Corrosion
Several reasons can cause pitting corrosion. This includes weak coating applications, film damage, or even certain deposits from the metal itself. If not caught early on, pitting corrosion can cause quick failures. Other risks of failure can occur from moisture entering and creating corrosion cells.
Crevice Corrosion
Crevice corrosion occurs within gaps and crevices on the metal’s surface. It usually affects anything that is connected to the metal. The crevices tend to become filled with particular contamination that affects the development of the corrosion process, such as water.
Galvanic/Bimetallic Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals are in contact for long periods. Since they obtain different electrode potentials, a bimetallic couple is created, which causes one metal to be a cathode and the other to be an anode.
How to Avoid Corrosion
Avoiding corrosion is possible through a series of steps and solutions. This includes selecting the correct materials, choosing the correct product design, providing protective methods, correct installation & maintenance, and providing high-end research and testing.
Contact Markham Metals in New England For Metal Fabrication
If you are in need of top-of-the-line metal fabrication services, look no further! Markham Metals has over 30 years of experience providing residents of the northeast with effective and high-quality metal services, products, and outstanding customer satisfaction. Get started today by calling 978-658-1121 or by filling out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you soon!