Effect of Low Alloy Additions on Corrosion of Steel in Different Atmospheres

Abstract

THe loss due to corrosion is one of the important problems that is drawing the attention of engineers. This is a universal problem which cannot be completely eliminated. Any bare metal corrodes under all types of atmosphere to which it is exposed, the effect under different atmospheres varying only in degrees. The loss can be m inimized by giving suitable protection as in the form of coating or by the addition of alloying elements. The type and amount of alloying elements to be added depend largely on the condi-tions under which the material is to be used. In general, low percentages of Cu, Ni, Cr, etc., are added to steel for light structures, inaccessible components, parts subj-ected to irregular abrasion which damages the protective coatings and where minimum of painting and maintenance is desirable. This paper reviews the effect of low alloy addi-tions on atmospheric corrosion of steel.