GTBL042-16 GTBL042-Callister-v2 September 13, 2007 13:10

Revised Pages

Chapter 16 Corrosion and Degradation

of Materials

Photograph showing a bar of steel that has been bent into a “horseshoe” shape using a nut-and-bolt assembly. While immersed

in seawater, stress corrosion cracks formed along the bend atthose regions where the tensile stresses are the greatest.

(Photograph courtesy of F. L. LaQue. From F. L. LaQue,Marine Corrosion, Causes and Prevention. Copyright©c1975 by

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Reprinted by permission of John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)

WHY STUDYCorrosion and Degradation of Materials?

With a knowledge of the types of and an understanding

of the mechanisms and causes of corrosion and

degradation, it is possible to take measures to prevent

them from occurring. For example, we may change the

nature of the environment, select a material that is

relatively nonreactive, and/or protect the material from

appreciable deterioration.

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