Why do metals corrode?

The driving force that causes metal to corrode is a
natural consequence of their temporary existence
in metallic form.

In order to understand why metals corrode, we first must understand how metals are formed. To create a metallic substance, man simply takes a natural ore and adds energy in the form of heat or compression. This addition of energy forces the natural ore to transform into a metallic substance. Therefore metal is simply natural ore and stored up energy.

NATURAL ORE + ENERGY = METALLIC SUBSTANCE

From the moment a metal is formed it begins to release its stored up energy. We call this process corrosion. The amount of time it takes for a metallic substance to corrode back to its original ore depends on two primary factors

1. The Amount of Energy stored in the Metal Each ore requires a specific amount of energy to transform it into metallic substance. The more energy needed in the process the faster the resulting metal will corrode.

2. Environmental Factors
a. Acids will accelerate the natural electrochemical process of corrosion by forcing the metal to release energy faster than normal.

b. Moisture is the leading cause of accelerated corrosion due to its abundance in the environment. Moisture like acid allow metals to release energy faster than is natural.

Metals are a temporary state of natural ores


Energy + Ore = Metal


The more energy needed to transform ore into a metal, the faster the metal will naturally corrode. (Release energy).

Two major environmental causes influencing corrosion:
1.) Acids 2.) Moisture

Corrosion presents a significant problem in the handling. storage and shipping of products. There are few industries whose products escape the damage caused by corrosion. Losses due to corrosion amount to hundreds of billions of dollars annually. This section will discuss in some detail the markets for corrosion inhibiting products.

The primary corrodible metal is iron. Iron in its various forms constitutes the majority of the metal consumed by industry. Even in this time of high technology, iron and steel are found in most products from laser assemblies to computers.
Conveniently the VpCI inhibitors for iron are well understood and have been in use for a number of years. Cortec products can also protect copper, brass, aluminum and silver.