Corrosion fatigue weakens metals over time due to stress from a corrosive environment. Repetitive stress from temperature changes and humidity accelerates damage by breaking down protective coatings. Cracks appear on the surface, rendering the metal object unfit for use. Protective coatings can slow the progression of corrosion fatigue, and resins and paints can extend the life of metals.
Corrosion fatigue is a phenomenon that occurs when materials weaken over time due to a series of stresses experienced as a result of being in a corrosive environment. Most often associated with metals, this type of damage begins to accelerate when the protective coating on the materials is damaged in some way and exposure to various elements begins to break down the composition of the metal. Corrosion fatigue can occur on many different types of metal products, ranging from heavy equipment to metal panels used in building and shipbuilding.
A major cause of corrosion fatigue is the repetitive or cyclical stress that occurs due to changes in temperature and humidity in the environment in which the metal equipment is used. Depending on the frequency of these alternating or cyclic displacements, the level of stress on the metal can be significant. Over time, the changes can begin to weaken the protective coating on the metal. This in turn makes it easier for the elements to start breaking down the metal surface and lead to increased fatigue.
When corrosion fatigue occurs, cracks begin to appear along the surface of the metal as it begins to degrade and lose strength. As exposure to alternating or cyclic stresses continues, those cracks increase in number and size, eventually creating a corrosion network along the metal’s surface. If left unchecked, degradation will continue to occur, eventually rendering the metal object unfit for its original use.
The corrosion fatigue process can be easily evident in the early stages. Typically, small cracks in the protective coating are difficult to detect at first and may not be visible until the corrosion process is well underway. Depending on the type of metal involved, it may be possible to clean the material and repair the protective coating. While this does nothing to return the metal to its previous strength, this type of action can slow the progression of fatigue and allow the life of the metal to be extended to some extent.
Since no metal can withstand constant exposure to alternating environmental factors, the type of protective coating applied to the material is extremely important in slowing down the rate of corrosion fatigue. In recent decades, various types of resins have sometimes been used to coat or seal metal objects, allowing them to remain strong and stable for longer periods of time. Many types of paints designed for use with metals also contain protective properties that help reduce the damage that occurs from exposure to various types of stress. A common example is the use of a protective coating on metal patio furniture. As long as the coating is maintained, damage or corrosion occurring to the underlying material is minimized and the useful life of the patio furniture is extended.
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