The Types of Corrosion in Steel and How to Prevent Them 1

The destruction of a substance (usually a metal) or its properties because of a reaction with its environment is known as corrosion. And one of the most commonly affected is steel. Steel is the important building block of all forms of industrial and commercial construction applications, and its corrosion can mean serious trouble.

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In many structural engineering investigations, the prime reason for the collapse was the result of corroded steel structures. There are many corrosion causes, most of which can be easily prevented.

The Common Types of Corrosion in Steel

Basic Corrosion

Basic corrosion, or rust, as we call it, is the most common corrosion problem. The start of this form of pollution is simple. All that is needed is oxygen and some moisture. And these two elements are present in abundance. The corrosion process is simple here

  • The iron (Fe) atoms in steel lose some electrons and become positively charged. These ions attract negatively charged ions.
  • Water (H2O) and oxygen (O) mix and become negatively charged, which attract themselves to the positively-charged iron atoms. The resultant chemical is called iron hydroxide (4Fe(OH)2).
  • This newly produced Iron hydroxide continues to react with oxygen, yielding 2Fe2O3.H2O – commonly known as hydrated iron oxide OR brown rust.

Unless an external layer is on bare steel, the surface will be a breeding ground for more rust. The reaction will continue to occur. That’s why rust-proof coatings are so important in steel applications.

Bimetallic Corrosion

This complex form of corrosion occurs because of contact between steel and some other form of metal. The reaction occurs between the alloys in the two metal structures. This is commonly found in steel that is buried in the ground or submerged in liquid.

Environmental Corrosion

This is not a form of corrosion on its own, but it’s a catalyst that accelerates the decline in steel. The toxins and other environmental elements help in the fall’s reaction. This type of corrosion is common in industries and areas where toxic emissions and gases are present.

Common Causes of Corrosion in Steel-

Uncoated steel

Inadequate treatment considering the environment

Lack of maintenance

Lack of ingress and moisture resistance

Leaky roofs, plumbing leaks, standing water, etc.

Incorrect design or installation of steel structures

Simple Steps to Prevent Steel Corrosion

Use Stainless Steel possible – Building a stainless steel structure is not feasible in all cases, but implement it wherever applicable.

Protective Coatings- Protective coating is the most common and cost-effective way to prevent corrosion. Steel coatings act as a barrier to prevent that prevents the transfer of electrochemical charge from the corrosive solution to the metal underneath.

Control the environment- As mentioned earlier, some toxins and other chemicals present in the background can increase the corrosion rate. So ta, king measures to prevent such exposure to sulfur, chlorine, or oxygen in the surrounding environment can improve the life of the steel components.