The main objective of the course is to develop fundamental and deep knowledge in the theory for degradation and corrosion of materials in various environments and to present existing protection strategies for prevention of corrosion in different contexts.
The course concerns fundamental theory of the thermodynamics and kinetics of the corrosion process of metals and alloys as well as polymer materials both in atmosphere and water solutions. Thermodynamics include the consideration and calculation of standard potentials, chemical dissociation constants, Nernst equation, and potential pH diagrams (Pourbaix). Electrochemical reactions governing corrosion of metals and alloys will be addressed both at deaerated, aerated, acidic, and alkaline conditions. Simple calculations and estimations on corrosion rates in solution will be performed based on standard potential tables and Faraday’s law.
The influence of properties of metals and their oxides on the corrosion behavior will be addressed, which is exemplified by different corrosion types. For these corrosion types, the principles (prerequisites, initiation, progress, failure) and ways to avoid that specific corrosion type will be discussed for: atmospheric corrosion, high temperature corrosion, pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, intergranular corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, erosion corrosion, fretting corrosion, microbiologically influenced corrosion, galvanic corrosion, selective corrosion, and uniform corrosion. It will be analyzed, which corrosion type(s) occur in a specific environment and for a specific engineered material. Materials and environments that will be addressed are the most common engineered metallic materials including carbon and low alloy steels, stainless steels, aluminum (alloys), copper (alloys), titanium (alloys), and nickel (alloys), and environments, including air (indoor and outdoor), surface water, cement and concrete, cooling water, waste water, sea water, and high temperature applications.
The principle, information outcome, and limitations of different corrosion prediction methods will be discussed. Specifically, standard electrode potential tables and Pourbaix diagrams, galvanic series, electrochemical accelerated tests, surface analytical tests, and mass loss and gain measurements, will be compared. Existing corrosion protection strategies, including surface treatments and coatings are described and choices of material are discussed from a corrosion point of view. Specifically, inhibitors, anodic and cathodic protection, and adjustment of environment and material design will be addressed.