Corrosion: How Oxygen Slowly Eats Away at Metals

Corrosion is a chemical reaction where metals break down by reacting with oxygen and moisture.
Rust on iron and steel is the most familiar form, creating flaky iron oxides.
Salt water speeds up corrosion by allowing ions to move more freely, accelerating damage.
Aluminum resists corrosion because it forms a thin, protective oxide layer almost instantly.
Corrosion costs the global economy billions of dollars annually in repairs and replacements.
Copper turns green over time, forming a patina of copper carbonate that actually protects it.
Sacrificial anodes, like zinc, are used to protect ships and pipelines from corroding.
Paints and coatings act as barriers, keeping oxygen and water away from metal surfaces.
Stainless steel resists rust thanks to its chromium content, which creates a stable oxide film.
Corrosion is slow but relentless, showing how oxygen is both life-giver and destroyer.