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Why Galvanize? Understanding Corrosion  Corrosion is an electrochemical reaction between a material and its environment that produces a deterioration of the material and alters its mechanical properties. The corrosion process that takes place on a piece of bare mild steel is very complex due to factors such as variations in the composition/structure of the steel, presence of impurities, uneven internal stress, or exposure to a non-uniform environment.In more technical terms, corrosion is a circuit whereby metal atoms become oxidized and lose electrons through anodes, while electrons from a reducing species are transferred through cathodes. It is very easy for microscopic areas of exposed metal to develop anodes and cathodes; a large number can develop in a small section. Corrosion occurs when these areas are exposed to an external conductive solution (electrolyte), the most common of which is water. The electrolyte may gradually change due to dissolution and precipitation. In time, other areas of exposed metal are likely to become anodic and cathodic, leading to more uniform corrosion. The rate at which metal corrodes is controlled by factors such as electrical potential and resistance between anodic and cathodic areas, pH of the electrolyte, temperature and humidity. |
