Corrosion is a galvanic process by which metals deteriorate through oxidation—usually but not always to their oxides. For example, when exposed to air, iron rusts, silver tarnishes, and copper and brass acquire a bluish-green surface called a patina. Of the various metals subject to corrosion, iron is by far the most important commercially. An estimated $100 billion per year is spent in the United States alone to replace iron-containing objects destroyed by corrosion. Consequently, the development of methods for protecting metal surfaces from corrosion constitutes a very active area of industrial research. In this section, we describe some of the chemical and electrochemical processes responsible for corrosion. We also examine the chemical basis for some common methods for preventing corrosion and treating corroded metals.
Whatever your reason for wanting to stop and prevent the corrosion of metals, here are some helpful ways to prevent corrosion of metals:
- Turn to non-corrosive metals such as aluminum and stainless steel.
- Keep the area around the metal surface dry.
- Use drying agents and moisture barrier products.