Corrosion is the deterioration of metal due to exposure to environmental elements. It weakens structures and can be prevented by applying protective coatings or using cathodic protection. Proper protection prolongs the life of metal objects and ensures safety.
Most people have seen the end results of corrosion on a number of appliances, vehicles, and other items that included metal components. But what is corrosion and how does it develop? Here are the basics on how corrosion starts and what you can do to prevent corrosion from ruining valuables.
Corrosion is a process that occurs when the essential properties of a certain material begin to deteriorate after exposure to recurring elements in the environment. Most often, this deterioration is seen in metals and is called rust. What happens in this case are the chemical reactions that are established by exposure of the electrons of the metal to the presence of water and oxygen. For example, a tin roof is exposed to wind and rain.
Over time, the basic workings of such exposure will allow for the creation of acids which will begin to alter the surface of the tin. The top layer becomes encrusted with corrosion in the form of a red-brown substance that lacks the cohesive nature of tin. The continued development of corrosion will eventually weaken the entire roof and the tin will eventually become so weak that it no longer provides adequate protection as a roofing material.
One of the ways to combat corrosion is to apply a protective layer to any metal surface that is to come into contact with water and oxygen. For example, some forms of enamel are ideal for protecting metal surfaces. A polymer coating, like the paint used on automobiles, is another example of adequate protection for metal objects that can’t be easily replaced. Plating is also used in many cases for a variety of metallic objects, such as jewellery, household plumbing and metal sporting equipment.
Cathodic protection also helps minimize the potential for corrosion. In the process of electrochemistry, there must be an agent that acts as the cathode of an electrochemical cell. This is often a protective route used when steel is involved in construction. Essentially, the surface of the steel is polarized until the surface has a uniform potential, which helps prevent corrosion from occurring. Steel will stay strong and usable for a much longer period of time. Polarized steel is used to make ships, fuel pipelines for urban systems, platforms for offshore drilling operations, and pier stacks.
Corrosion causes the eventual failure of any metal that begins to wear away. Proper corrosion protection of metals prolongs the life of many of the major purchases people make. Protecting metals from corrosion also means ensuring the safety of people who use multi-story buildings, sail on ships, or rely on service companies to supply gas and water to their homes safely and economically. By protecting the metals that are used every day, people cover all the bases when it comes to getting the most out of the items they own and rely on.
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