Managing Uniform Corrosion

The selection of materials for uniform corrosion resistance should simply take into consideration the susceptibility of the metal to the type of environment that will be encountered. Organic or metallic coatings should be used wherever feasible. When coatings are not used, surface treatments that artificially produce the metal oxide layer prior to exposure will result in a more uniform oxide layer and the thickness may be controlled. There are also surface treatments where additional elements are incorporated for corrosion resistance, such as chromium. Also, vapor phase inhibitors may be used in such applications as boilers to combat corrosive elements and adjust the pH level of the environment.