What is corrosion?
What Does corrosion Mean
Before entering fully into the meaning of the term corrosion, it is necessary to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it derives from Latin, specifically from “corrosio”, which is the result of the union of the following components:
-The prefix “with”, which means “all” or “together”.
-The adjective “rossum”, which can be translated as “gnawed”.
-The suffix “-ion”, which is synonymous with “action and effect”.
The concept refers to the act and the result of corroding : destroying, ruining, eating away or gradually wearing out something.
The idea of corrosion is often used in the field of chemistry to name the wear of a metal as a result of the action of an external agent . Corrosion is caused by the interaction of metal with its environment.
As metal corrodes, its chemical and physical properties deteriorate . A reduction-oxidation ( redox ) reaction can cause corrosion of an element. In this process, one agent receives electrons (reduces) and another gives up electrons (oxidizes).
Metal found outdoors or under water will corrode. In steel , to cite one case, a brownish layer forms that degrades the material until it breaks or cracks.
Corrosion of metals, therefore, is a big problem on several levels. When a metal corrodes, it undergoes an alteration of its properties . An iron structure that experiences corrosion, for example, can lose strength and become unstable or brittle. A corroded bridge, in this framework, poses a risk.
It is important to note that there are different types of corrosion, which may even affect materials that are not metallic. To interrupt or delay the process, it is possible to resort to coatings that act as inhibitors . The type of design can also help minimize corrosion.
Specifically, we can establish that there are three fundamental types of corrosion:
-Galvanic corrosion, is the one that takes place when two metals that are different come into contact within what is a medium, liquid type.
-General corrosion, which is that which occurs through electrochemical or chemical reactions.
-Localized corrosion, which, as its name suggests, is that which takes place in certain parts of the metal structure. In the same way, it should be noted that this can be of three classes in turn: crevice corrosion, which is as a consequence of a stagnant liquid; pitting corrosion, which gives rise to small holes in the aforementioned structure; and filiform corrosion. The latter occurs when the damage is caused by water that can be found under what are coatings.
To avoid corrosion, you must follow recommendations such as keeping your hands dry when working on metal structures and even using what are barriers against moisture when storing tools such as humidifiers.