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Category: Corrosion Basics

Stress Corrosion Cracking: Causes, Effects, and Prevention with VCI Technology

Illustrated diagram showing stress corrosion cracking in a metal component, highlighting tensile stress lines and crack propagation in a corrosive environment.

Stress corrosion cracking is a stealthy and potentially catastrophic form of corrosion that strikes metals exposed to both mechanical tension and harsh chemical surroundings, often leading to brittle fractures without warning. Distinct from uniform corrosion, which erodes surfaces steadily (as covered in our guide to uniform corrosion), or crevice corrosion, which hides in tight spaces […]

Erosion Corrosion: Causes, Effects, and Prevention with VCI Technology

Diagram depicting erosion corrosion on a metal surface exposed to turbulent fluid flow, with visible pitting and material loss.

Erosion corrosion is a destructive synergy of mechanical abrasion and electrochemical reactions that rapidly degrades metal surfaces exposed to fast-moving fluids or slurries. In contrast to galvanic corrosion, which stems from metal mismatches (explored in our article on galvanic corrosion), erosion corrosion intensifies in dynamic environments, stripping away protective layers and accelerating material loss that […]

Galvanic Corrosion: Causes, Effects, and Prevention with VCI Technology

Diagram illustrating galvanic corrosion at the contact point between a nut, bolt, and base metal, with visible rust formation due to electrical interaction.

Galvanic corrosion is a form of accelerated, localized degradation that occurs when two dissimilar metals are in electrical contact within an electrolyte, leading to rapid material loss on the less noble metal. Distinct from uniform corrosion, which erodes surfaces evenly (as detailed in our article on uniform corrosion), galvanic corrosion exploits electrochemical differences to create […]

Crevice Corrosion: Causes, Effects, and Prevention with VCI Technology

Illustration of crevice corrosion in a bolt assembly, showing localized rust due to disrupted oxygen flow in confined metal surfaces.

Crevice corrosion is a insidious form of localized corrosion that targets metals in narrow gaps or confined spaces, leading to accelerated material degradation. Unlike uniform corrosion, which affects surfaces evenly (as explored in our article on uniform corrosion), or pitting corrosion, which creates isolated holes (detailed in our post on pitting corrosion), crevice corrosion thrives […]

Pitting Corrosion: Causes, Effects, and Prevention with VCI Technology

Diagram illustrating pitting corrosion on a metal surface with localized pits and environmental causes.

Pitting corrosion is a deceptive and dangerous form of localized corrosion that affects metals, leading to the formation of small pits or holes on the surface. Unlike uniform corrosion, which spreads evenly across a material (as discussed in our previous post on uniform corrosion), pitting can occur unpredictably and penetrate deeply, compromising structural integrity without […]

Uniform Corrosion: Causes, Effects, and Prevention with VCI Technology

Illustration of uniform corrosion on a metal surface.

Uniform corrosion, also known as general corrosion, is the most common corrosion type, causing even material loss across metal surfaces. It’s predictable, allowing planned maintenance, but can lead to significant damage if unchecked. What is Uniform Corrosion? Uniform corrosion evenly attacks metal surfaces, resulting in consistent thinning. Examples include rust on iron and tarnish on […]

Galvanic Series: Understanding the Corrosion Risks of Metal Combinations

Diagram showing the galvanic series, ranking metals and alloys from anodic to passive. Understanding the galvanic series is crucial for preventing corrosion and ensuring the longevity of metal components in industrial applications.

When it comes to designing and building structures or machinery, understanding the galvanic series is crucial for preventing corrosion and ensuring longevity. The galvanic series ranks metals and alloys based on their electrode potential in seawater or other corrosive environments, helping engineers and designers select materials that are less likely to induce galvanic corrosion. Check […]

10 Types of Corrosion: Understanding the Different Forms of Corrosion

Diagram showing 10 different types of corrosion, including galvanic corrosion, pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, and more. Understanding the specific type of corrosion is crucial for effective prevention and protection of equipment and infrastructure.

Corrosion is a silent killer that can wreak havoc on equipment and infrastructure. But did you know that there are different types of corrosion, each with its own unique mechanisms and conditions? By understanding these differences, you can develop targeted prevention strategies to keep your assets safe and running smoothly. Check out our diagram above […]

The Impact of Humidity on Corrosion: A Crucial Factor to Consider

Diagram illustrating the impact of humidity on corrosion, highlighting the importance of proper humidity control for effective corrosion prevention.

When it comes to preventing corrosion, many of us focus on the obvious factors like temperature and surface cleanliness. But what about humidity? Believe it or not, humidity plays a significant role in the corrosion process. In fact, it’s essential for corrosion to occur in the first place! But that’s not all. Humidity also impacts […]

The Effect of Temperature on Corrosion: A Complex Relationship

Diagram illustrating the effect of temperature on corrosion, highlighting the increased reaction rates and material degradation at elevated temperatures.

Temperature plays a crucial role in the corrosion process, and its effect is complex and dependent on various factors. Elevated temperatures can increase reaction rates and accelerate material degradation through corrosion processes. Additionally, thermal cycling can induce corrosion fatigue, promoting the initiation and propagation of cracks in materials. Understanding the impact of temperature on corrosion […]