Corrosion Analysis

Corrosion is a natural process that converts a metallic material to a more chemically-stable form, such as its oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide. It is the gradual destruction of materials by chemical and/or electrochemical reaction with their environment. Corrosion can also occur in materials other than metals, such as ceramics or polymers, although in this context, the term "degradation" is more common. As a typical catastrophic failure mode for materials, it degrades the useful properties of materials and structures including strength, appearance and permeability to liquids and gases.

Corrosion engineering is the field dedicated to managing corrosion through an extensive study of the principles of corrosion theory, passivity and corrosion prevention strategies and design of corrosion protection systems. A typical corrosion engineering study starts from identifying the corrosion product and performing sample preparation to aid in determining the mode of corrosion. Common corrosion-related failure modes include: Galvanic Corrosion, Stress Corrosion, Pitting, Erosion and Wear, Hydrogen Embrittlement, Microbiologically Induced Corrosion (MIC), Surface Reactions (oxidation, carburization, and sulfidation), Weld Corrosion, Intergranular Corrosion, Fatigue. For a complete and thorough corrosion analysis, it is important to have information about the environmental conditions to which the samples were exposed. Corrosion of metallic materials is often unexpected and usually caused by a combination of electron exchange and mechanical forces. Electron exchange is often accelerated by heat or conductive fluids; Mechanical forces include tension, bending, and shear loads. The areas of interest for corroded samples are often at any penetrations or crack surfaces. Crack surfaces and crack edges can both yield information as to the corrosion modes, and are examined with optical or electron microscopy. Metallographic preparation of these areas is performed beforehand to assist with the desired microscopic analysis technique.

At Matexcel, we perform corrosion failure analyses of components and parts from a broad range of industries (food, chemical, transportation, agriculture, power, medical, airspace, military, and electronics, etc.). When corrosion occurs, we are skilled at understanding the problems and finding appropriate resolutions. A detailed engineering report will identify the responsible corrosive agents, the mode of failures, and suggest corrective measures and alternative materials based on the findings. We aim to provide insights into the real-world corrosion of materials to help improve customers’ quality and operations.

• Name
• Phone Number
• * Email
• Address
• * Service & Products of Interest
• Project Description
• Send