Materials: Corrosion and Protection

Corrosion is the natural process of material degradation, often impacting metals through chemical reactions with their environment, leading to loss of functionality and structural integrity. This issue can appear as rusting, pitting, or stress corrosion cracking. This affects various industries, from infrastructure to aerospace, resulting in significant economic losses and safety hazards. Therefore, effective corrosion protection is essential to extend material lifespan and performance. These methods include coatings, cathodic protection, and the use of corrosion-resistant materials. Coatings, including paints and plating, create a physical barrier to prevent exposure to corrosive elements. Cathodic protection involves using sacrificial anodes or impressed currents to inhibit the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion. Additionally, selecting materials inherently resistant to corrosion, like stainless steel, can enhance durability. Implementing these protection techniques is essential for minimizing maintenance costs, ensuring safety, and preserving the reliability of infrastructure and equipment. This book elucidates new techniques of corrosion prevention and their applications in a reader-friendly manner. It consists of contributions made by international experts of this field. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about material corrosion and protection.