Before entering fully into the meaning of the term corrosion, it is necessary to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it derives from Latin, specifically from “corrosio”, which is the result of the union of the following components:
-The prefix “con-“, which means “all” or “together”.
-The adjective “rossum”, which can be translated as “gnawed”.
-The suffix “-ion”, which is synonymous with “action and effect”.
According to abbreviationfinder.org, the concept refers to the act and the result of corroding: destroying, ruining, eating away or wearing something down gradually.
The idea of corrosion is usually used in the field of chemistry to name the wear of a metal as a result of the action of an external agent. Corrosion is caused by the interaction of the metal with its environment.
As metal corrodes, its chemical and physical properties deteriorate. A reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction can cause corrosion of an element. In this process, one agent receives electrons (is reduced) and another gives up electrons (is oxidized).
A metal that is in the open air or under water corrodes. In steel, to cite one case, a brown layer forms that degrades the material until it breaks or cracks.
Corrosion of metals, therefore, is a major problem at different levels. When a metal corrodes, its properties change. An iron structure that experiences corrosion, for example, can lose strength and become unstable or brittle. A corroded bridge, in this context, is a risk.
It is important to bear in mind that there are different kinds of corrosion, which can even affect non-metallic materials. To interrupt or slow down the process, it is possible to resort to coatings that act as inhibitors. The type of design can also help minimize corrosion.
Specifically, we can establish that there are three fundamental types of corrosion:
-Galvanic corrosion, is the one that takes place when two metals that are different come into contact within what is a liquid-type medium.
-General corrosion, which is produced through electrochemical or chemical reactions.
-Localized corrosion, which, as its name suggests, is one that takes place in certain parts of the metal structure. In the same way, it should be noted that this can be of three kinds: crevice corrosion, which is the result of a stagnant liquid; pitting corrosion, which gives rise to small holes in said structure; and filiform corrosion. The latter occurs when the damage is caused by water that can be found under what are coatings.
To avoid corrosion, recommendations must be followed, such as keeping your hands dry when working on metal structures and even using moisture barriers when storing tools, such as humidifiers.
