Corrosion/Oxidation

For centuries, it has been known that elements are separated into two groups- metals and non-metals. Not surprisingly, the larger of the two is the metals. Metals in general can be characterised as hard, shiny solids that can be shaped, and are a relatively good conductor of heat and electricity. The discovery and utilisation of metals is the primary reason civilisations have moved beyond the Stone Age.

Today many of the known metal elements are used extensively by society for almost everything (particularly iron and steel). This is why corrosion is such a destructive problem for our global community.
When metal corrodes (oxidises) it loses its structural purpose – it weakens significantly. This generates a great economic bearing on industries and the utilisers of the metals. Australia alone spends over three billion dollars a year on preventative measures and replacement of corroded metals.

Corrosion is defined as the state of deterioration in metals, caused by oxidation o...