Corrosion: How Chemical Reactions Destroy Materials

Corrosion is the gradual destruction of materials through chemical reactions.
Metals like iron corrode when exposed to oxygen and moisture.
Rust is the most familiar form of corrosion, weakening steel and iron.
Corrosion costs industries billions yearly in repairs and replacements.
Saltwater speeds corrosion, making ships and bridges especially vulnerable.
Protective coatings like paint, oil, or galvanization slow corrosion.
Stainless steel resists corrosion thanks to a chromium oxide layer.
Corrosion is an electrochemical process, creating tiny “cells” on metal surfaces.
It also affects concrete, plastics, and ceramics under certain conditions.
Understanding corrosion helps engineers design safer, longer-lasting structures.