Chapter 5: Materials in Corrosion Engineering: Metals & Nonmetals

Materials in Corrosion Engineering: Metals & Nonmetals distinguishes between mechanical attributes like tensile strength, fatigue, and hardness, and physical properties such as density and thermal conductivity, while emphasizing that economic cost is often a deciding factor. The text provides an in-depth analysis of ferrous alloys, including various cast irons—gray, white, malleable, and ductile—and high-silicon versions designed for extreme environments. It explores the classification of stainless steels into four primary groups (martensitic, ferritic, austenitic, and precipitation-hardened), detailing how alloying elements like chromium and nickel enhance resistance to oxidation and chemical attack. Nonferrous metals are also examined, covering the protective oxide films of aluminum and magnesium, the chemical stability of lead and copper alloys, and the specialized applications of nickel-based superalloys like Monel and Inconel. Further discussion includes reactive and refractory metals such as titanium, tantalum, and zirconium, which are valued for their exceptional performance in high-temperature or highly corrosive settings, alongside the chemical inertness of noble metals like platinum and gold. The latter portion of the chapter transitions to nonmetallic materials, evaluating the resilience and chemical resistance of natural and synthetic rubbers, and the versatility of thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics, including high-performance fluorocarbons like Teflon. Finally, the chapter addresses the utility of ceramics, carbon, graphite, and wood in specialized industrial contexts, highlighting how composite materials and metallic glasses offer innovative solutions for modern engineering challenges.