Corrosion, Types and Prevention

Corrosion is defined as the degradation of materials as a consequence of electrochemical attack. In general, it can be understood as the general tendency of materials in search of a more stable form and less internal energy of its structure. The rate at which corrosion occurs depends on the temperature, the characteristics of the fluid in contact with and on the properties of the material. Nonmetallic materials also suffer corrosion by different mechanisms. The present work characterizes corrosion processes in metals, as well as in ceramic materials and polymers. Different types of corrosion are explained based on a modern form of their classification. In each case, effective forms of prevention are explained. Information on cathode prevention is included. Finally, the economic and social consequences of corrosion due to corrosion are pressented.