1. What is corrosion?

Corrosion is the process of deteriorating or damaging a material, usually a metal, due to chemical or electrochemical reactions with its surrounding environment. It leads to the degradation of the material's physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, ultimately resulting in a loss of functionality.

Reference: NACE International. (2021). What Is Corrosion? Retrieved from https://www.nace.org/about-corrosion/what-is-corrosion/

2. Why does corrosion occur?

Corrosion occurs due to various factors, including the presence of moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive substances in the surrounding environment. The process involves an electrochemical reaction where metal atoms are oxidized, leading to the formation of metal ions and the release of electrons. The metal ions form compounds like oxides, hydroxides, or salts, which weakens the material's structure, causing corrosion.

Reference: U.S. Department of Transportation. (2019). Causes and Types of Corrosion. Retrieved from https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/weather/best_practices/corrosion.htm

3. List at least five types of corrosion:

a) Uniform corrosion: Occurs evenly over the entire surface of the material.
b) Galvanic corrosion: Results from the contact between two dissimilar metals in the presence of an electrolyte.
c) Pitting corrosion: Forms localized pits or cavities on the material's surface due to aggressive chemical attacks.
d) Crevice corrosion: Occurs in confined spaces, such as gaps, crevices, or under deposits, where oxygen supply is limited.
e) Stress corrosion cracking: Arises from the combined influence of tensile stress and a corrosive environment, leading to cracking.

Reference: AZoM. (2021). Types of Corrosion. Retrieved from https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=14875

4. Pick one type of corrosion you listed and do the following:

a) Type of corrosion chosen: Pitting corrosion

b) Mechanism: Pitting corrosion occurs due to localized chemical attacks on the surface of a metal, resulting in the formation of small pits or holes. It typically initiates in areas where the protective oxide layer on the metal's surface is compromised or damaged. Factors such as oxygen concentration, pH levels, and the presence of chloride ions can accelerate pitting corrosion.

c) Where it is more likely to occur: Pitting corrosion is commonly observed in environments with high chloride concentrations, such as coastal areas or near roadways where deicing salts are used. It can also occur in stagnant or low-flow areas, where the protective factors against corrosion are minimized.

d) Preventive measures: To prevent pitting corrosion, several measures can be taken, including:
- Regular inspection and maintenance of protective coatings or barriers on the metal's surface.
- Implementing proper design practices to avoid crevices, gaps, or areas where corrosive substances can accumulate.
- Controlling the environment by minimizing exposure to corrosive substances, such as chloride ions or acidic solutions.
- Use of corrosion inhibitors or protective coatings for metals in susceptible environments.
- Applying cathodic protection techniques, such as sacrificial anode systems or impressed current systems.

References: ASM International. (2021). Pitting Corrosion. Retrieved from https://www.asminternational.org/materials-resources/results/-/journal_content/56/10192/04909G/FUNDAMENTALS-OF-CORROSION-Pitting-Corrosion
NACE International. (2021). Corrosion Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.nace.org/resources/corrosion-prevention/

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