Corrosion and degradation
Corrosion and degradation are key failure mechanisms for a wide range of materials. Metallic corrosion can occur at ambient temperatures in environments which are normally aqueous based. Corrosion under these circumstances is often electrochemical in nature. Degradation can also occur at elevated temperatures far in excess of ambient. Under these conditions interaction with a gaseous environment is a key mechanism and is very often known as high temperature oxidation.
High temperature oxide nodules grown on 304 stainless steel
Corrosion reactions are not confined to metals, with polymers and ceramic materials undergoing degradation mechanisms in particular aggressive environments. Our research reflects a material-wide appreciation, understanding and combating of these type of reactions.
Corrosion and degradation projects undertaken and current include:
- Stress corrosion cracking of stainless steels for steam turbine blades
- Hybrid impressed current/galvanic anode systems for the protection of steel reinforcing bar (rebar) in concrete
- Modelling of microstructural evolution in coated superalloy systems
- Electrodeposition of cadmium replacements from ionic liquids
- Ageing of skinned polyethylene pipe by outdoor exposure
- Biodegradable nanocomposites
Academic Staff
- Dr Gary Critchlow
- Dr Rebecca Higginson
- Professor Rachel Thomson
- Dr Geoff Wilcox