General purpose

The course aims to provide both fundamental knowledge and practical information regarding the study of corrosion phenomena, guiding to the selection of the most effective anti-corrosion methods. The student will be able to recognize the main forms of corrosion of metallic materials in
contact with different aggressive environments, to understand the different
mechanisms of degradation and to identify correctly the most suitable
diagnostic tools and the potential preventative measures and protection
systems, with special reference to the field of the chemical industries.

Program

Effects and costs of corrosion. General principles of dry and
aqueous corrosion: chemical and electrochemical reactions, definitions and
expressions of corrosion rate and corrosion current, Faraday’s law.

Thermodynamics of aqueous corrosion processes: electrode potential,
electrochemical series, potential-pH Pourbaix diagrams.

Kinetics of aqueous corrosion processes: polarization. Evans
diagrams. Concentration and activation polarization. Passivity.

Forms of corrosion: Uniform Corrosion in Acidic and Aerated
Solutions; Galvanic corrosion; 
Differential aeration and Crevice corrosion; Pitting corrosion,
Selective corrosion of alloys, Integranular corrosion and exfoliation; Mechano-chemical
corrosion: Erosion, Cavitation, Fretting, Stress corrosion cracking, Fatigue
corrosion, Hydrogen -induced corrosion; Stray current corrosion.

Corrosion environments: water, soil, atmosphere, concrete. Corrosion
in petrochemical plants.

Corrosion Monitoring and Inspections. Non-destructive tests.

Prevention of corrosion by design.

Protection: Coatings, Inhibitors, Electrical protection (Cathodic
and Anodic)

High temperature corrosion.

Activities are organized in:

- face-to-face lectures (for the acquisition of knowledge)

- discussion of case studies (for the acquisition of the capability
of applying the knowledge and understanding for recognizing corrosion forma and
identifying remedies and proposals for corrosion prevention/protection)

Final assessment

The assessment will be based on the results of an oral interview,
aimed at verifying the acquisition of the following knowledge and skills:

- Knowledge of the physico-chemical mechanisms of corrosion.

- Ability of identify the main causes and forms of corrosion of
metals in contact with various aggressive environments.

- Correct identification of the most suitable diagnostic tools and
of the potential preventative measures and protection systems, with special
reference to the field of chemical industry.

- Ability to communicate the acquired knowledge and to illustrate
the proposed technical solutions with clear expression and convincing attitude.

During the course students are offered the opportunity to test their
preparation by conducting self-assessment written tests (multi-choice
questions, solution of numerical problems, essay questions), followed by common
correction and, for those who request it, an evaluation of the test.