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We saw how ships were used to transport oil across the world. We also recognize when oil is spilled into the water supply, there can be considerable damage to the environment. One way to ensure this doesn't happen is by safeguarding transportation routes and vehicles from receiving damage or by maintaining the equipment so that it doesn't degrade.
Ships that travel in saltwater have a greater risk of degrading due to corrosion. The estimated $80 billion cost globally means that consumers end up covering a significant amount of this through the purchasing of goods that are shipped by water. This expense is not only related to the labour of repairing the ship, but also the downtime to repair the ships. When a ship, train, or 18 wheeler is not traveling, it is not helping the company to earn money.
Further research indicates that it is possible to save up to 30% of these costs through proper application of paints that reduce corrosion, using AI to analyze images and videos to predict coating breakdown and corrosion.
What is Corrosion?
What is Corrosion?
Corrosion is more than the rusting we see on tools that have been left in the yard. Corrosion refers to any process that chemically breaks down or degrades metal. The common metal found in items that do rust is iron. When this iron is exposed to oxygen, the chemical reaction produces iron oxide. There are various metals that do not rust because they contain negligible amounts of iron. They are used for the purpose of structural strength, as well as reduced chance of rusting:
aluminum - When aluminum is used on planes, it should react with the rain and dissolve. However, when the plane is in the atmosphere, the chemical reaction that occurs produces aluminum oxide which acts as a rust-resistant shield.
brass - Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Similar to aluminum, brass does not rust. However, if you look at the top of many old buildings that have brass roofs (the Parliament Building), you will find a blue-green patina has formed. This is due to the surfaced being exposed to oxygen.
Galvanized Steel - Iron or steel is put through a hot-drip galvanizing or electroplating process. This thin layer of zinc prevents oxygen and water from reaching the metal underneath.
Gold/platinum/silver - Gold does not contain iron, therefore it will not rust. With the cost of these metals make it non-feasible to use them as commonly as galvanized steel or aluminum.
Stainless steel - Stainless steel is an alloy that contains 11% chromium. This forms a protective film of chromium oxide to shield it against rust. The film will reform if it is damaged. Some stainless steel contains nickel as well to further enhance its resistance to corrosion.
4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) →2Fe2O3(s)
solid iron + oxygen gas → iron (III) oxide
Check for Understanding
Check for Understanding
Write out the word and the chemical equations for corrosion of iron.
List the two environmental factors that must be present in order for iron to rust.
Why is the combustion of steel wool similar to the corrosion of steel wool?
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