CORROSION CHEMISTRY

INTRODUCTION:
The process of destruction or deterloration of metals or its alloys by chemical or
electrochemical attack through Its environment starting at its surface is called corrosion.
EX.: 1. Rusting of iron (Fe2O3.2H2O)
2. Formation of blue green film on copper or bronze (CuCO3 Cu (OH)2.)
3. Tarnishing of silver.
With the exception of noble metals Pt, Au, Ag etc., most of the metals exist in nature
in combined form of oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, chlorides, sulphides and silicates.
These are known as ores and minerals of the metals. During extraction, metal ores reduced
to their metallic states. The metals have a natural tendency to revert back to combined state.
The process by which the metals have a tendency to go back their combined state is known
as corrosion. Corrosion is thus exactly the reverse of extraction of metals and also known as
weeping of metals.

Cause of corrosion: Metals are stable only in the compound state. So, the metals always
try to get back to the original state by means of corrosion. Less energy states (Metallic
compound) are more stable than the higher energy states (Metals)

Cost of Corrosion: Enormous losses occur due to corrosion every year in all countries of
the world. These losses are made up of direct losses (Which include shut down losses in the
form of cost production, losses due to Inefficiency etc.). The cost of replacement of materials
and equipment loss through corrosion has been currently estimated to be Rs. 13000 crores
per year on account of replacement of pipes, building products, auto parts, water heater and
other materials subjected to corrosion. In addition, the life of equipment, plant, and bridge
etc. is very much reduced, which may cause explosions and severe adverse effects,
including possible loss of life. In fact, It is very difficult to assess exactly the losses incurred
due to corrosion, because the losses cannot be measured in terms of the cost of metals
alone, but the high cost of fabrication Into machine tools /structures/equipment should also
be taken Into account.
it is estimated that 40% of failures in electronic equipment, like computers, tele
communication equipment, television equipment is due to metallic corrosion. (Loss of
contact). In India, the corrosion problems are more, serious than the cold countries because
of its tropical climate. According to rough estimate direct losses due to corrosion is 250 cores
per year. The money spent on its prevention la about 50-70 cores per year. The indirect
losses due to corrosion cannot be estimated in terms of money. Taking all the factors into
consideration, therefore, it is extremely important to know the mechanism of corrosion. So
that it can be minimized to a greater extent and the heavy losses incurred due to corrosion
may be greatly reduced.