Corrosion Science and Engineering

Corrosion Science and Engineering is the specialized field dedicated to understanding, predicting, and managing the natural degradation of materials through chemical and electrochemical reactions with their environment. It integrates principles of chemistry, metallurgy, and materials science to uncover the fundamental mechanisms of corrosion, which is then applied to engineer practical solutions—such as selecting resistant alloys, designing protective coatings, and implementing electrochemical control systems. The ultimate goal is to ensure the safety, reliability, and economic viability of critical structures and components, ranging from industrial pipelines and bridges to biomedical implants and microelectronics.

1. Introduction to Corrosion
   1. Definition and Scope of Corrosion
      1. Corrosion as a Chemical Process
      2. Corrosion as an Electrochemical Process
      3. Types of Materials Affected by Corrosion
         1. Metals and Alloys
         2. Non-Metallic Materials
      4. Distinction from Other Forms of Material Degradation
         1. Wear and Abrasion
         2. Fatigue
         3. Creep
   2. Economic and Safety Impacts of Corrosion
      1. Direct Economic Costs
         1. Material Replacement Costs
         2. Maintenance and Repair Expenses
      2. Indirect Economic Costs
         1. Production Losses
         2. Overdesign Requirements
         3. Inspection and Monitoring Costs
      3. Impact on Infrastructure and Industry
         1. Transportation Systems
         2. Utilities and Power Generation
         3. Manufacturing Facilities
      4. Safety Hazards and Failures
         1. Structural Failures
         2. Environmental Releases
         3. Personnel Safety Risks
      5. Environmental Consequences
         1. Resource Depletion
         2. Waste Generation
         3. Pollution from Corrosion Products
   3. Historical Perspective
      1. Early Observations and Documentation
         1. Ancient Civilizations
         2. Industrial Revolution Era
      2. Major Corrosion Failures in History
         1. Structural Collapses
         2. Industrial Accidents
         3. Transportation Disasters
      3. Evolution of Corrosion Science
         1. Development of Electrochemical Theory
         2. Modern Corrosion Engineering
   4. Interdisciplinary Nature of Corrosion Science
      1. Chemistry Foundations
         1. Chemical Reactions in Corrosion
         2. Thermochemistry
         3. Solution Chemistry
      2. Electrochemistry Principles
         1. Redox Reactions
         2. Electrode Kinetics
         3. Electrochemical Cells
      3. Materials Science Contributions
         1. Structure-Property Relationships
         2. Microstructure Effects
         3. Phase Diagrams
      4. Metallurgy Applications
         1. Alloy Design
         2. Heat Treatment Effects
         3. Processing Influences
      5. Engineering Considerations
         1. Design for Corrosion Resistance
         2. Life Cycle Assessment
         3. Risk Management