The course is an introduction to the basic principles of Electrochemistry, Corrosion and Protection of Metallic Materials.
The student will acquire skills, knowledge and understanding in:
1) The basic principles of electrochemistry
2) The basic principles and the effects of corrosion
3) The effect of various parameters on corrosion
4) The different corrosion types and the ways of avoiding and dealing with them
5) The principles governing the basic corrosion tests
6) The distinct differences between anodic and cathodic protection
The course contains the background knowledge for understanding various corrosion processes, protection methods and materials selection with practical examples. It covers the aspects of:
- Electrochemical basis of corrosion, Thermodynamics, Potential-pH diagrams.
- Kinetics of corrosion reactions: Polarisation curves, mixed potential theory, passivity, effect of mass transfer.
- Types, mechanisms, causes and propagation of corrosion.
- Effect of metallurgical, mechanical, microbiological and environmental factors.
- Quantitative estimation of corrosion rates.
- Description of mechanisms for types of corrosion for different metal and environment combinations, with special focus on important structural materials.
- Corrosion protection: Electrochemical methods, inhibitors, surface treatment, effect of material properties, materials selection, design.
- Corrosion properties of important construction materials.
- Test methods. Measurement and monitoring of corrosion. Corrosion Management including corrosion monitoring.
