Question

Can you tell some methods by which corrosion of metal can e prevented?

Answer 1

You can prevent corrosion by selecting the right:
. metal type
. protective coating
. environmentalmeasures
. sacrificial coatings
. corrosion inhibitors
. design modification
. Metal Type


One simple way to prevent corrosion is to use a corrosion resistant metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. Depending on the application, these metals can be used to reduce the need for additional corrosion protection.
Protective Coatings
The application of a paint coating is a cost-effective way of preventing corrosion. Paint coatings act as a barrier to prevent the transfer of electrochemical charge from the corrosive solution to the metal underneath.
Another possibility is applying a powder coating. In this process, a dry powder is applied to the clean metal surface. The metal is then heated which fuses the powder into a smooth unbroken film. A number of different powder compositions can be used, including acrylic, polyester, epoxy, nylon, and urethane.
Environmental Measures
Corrosion is caused by a chemical reaction between the metal and gases in the surrounding environment. By taking measures to control the environment, these unwanted reactions can be minimized. This can be as simple as reducing exposure to rain or seawater, or more complex measures, such as controlling the amounts of sulfur, chlorine, or oxygen in the surrounding environment. An example of this would be would be treating the water in water boilers with softeners to adjust hardness, alkalinity, or oxygen content.
Sacrificial Coatings
Sacrificial coating involves coating the metal with an additional metal type that is more likely to oxidize; hence the term “sacrificial coating.”
There are two main techniques for achieving sacrificial coating: cathodic protection and anodic protection