MATSE 445: Corrosion of Metals

Homepage:

Textbook: D. Jones, Principles and Prevention of Corrosion, McGraw-Hill, 1996

References:

ASM Handbook, Vol. 13, Corrosion, 1987
Uhlig's Corrosion Handbook, Wiley and Sons, 2000
Selection and Application of Batteries, 2nd edition, 1998
E. Verink, Construction of Pourbaix Diagrams, J. Ed. Modules, Vol 1, No. 3, 1979

Catalog Description, Prerequisites and Schedule:

Electrochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics of corrosion; behavior of ferrous and non-ferrous metals; corrosion rates; corrosion control; cathodic and anodic protection; high temperature corrosion; corrosion testing. Prequisite: None 3 hours or 3/4 or 1 unit. 3 lectures per week

Course Topics:

1. Introduction
2. Electrochemical Thermodynamics
3. Electrochemical Devices
4. Electrochemical Kinetics
5. Corrosion
6. Corrosion Prevention
7. Environmental Effects on Mechanical Behavior
8. High Temperature Corrosion

Course Objectives:

1. Understanding of basic electrochemical reaction thermodynamics and kinetics.
2. Application to understanding batteries, fuel cells and sensors
3. Rationalization of corrosion phenomena in terms of mechanism
4. Introduction to corrosion measurement techniques
5. Use of principles to understand how corrosion can be prevented or ameliorated
6. Demonstration of effects of materials composition and processing in specific systems
7. Survey of experience on the effect of environment on mechanical failure

Course Outcomes:

1. Calculation of cell potential for various electrodes, electrolytes, temperatures and pressures
2. Factors in the design of batteries and fuel cells for various applications
3. Use of Pourbaix diagrams to understand corrosion and active-passive behavior
4. Use of Tafel plots and Evans diagrams to predict component behavior.
5. Relation between immersion testing, electrochemical measurements and material performance
6. Assessment of alloy selection vs. coatings vs. cathodic protection vs. inhibitors to solve corrosion problems.

Assessment Tools:

1. Homework (3 sets)
2. Hour exams (2)
3. Term paper (one, 10-15 pages on topic of student's choosing)

Contribution of Course to Meeting the Professional Component:

100 %

Prepared By:

Carl Altstetter, March 2001