Corrosion Mapping
Atmospheric Corrosion Mapping of Large Geographical Areas and Regions
Corrosion is a billion dollar issue and being able to specify the correct types of materials to use can save money and effort in the future but also cost in the initial construction.
The challenge
Corrosion is caused by the interaction between metals, water and oxygen.
Corrosion oxidises the metal and produces rust (on iron) or the dusty material you can rub off an aluminium window frame. With time corrosion will compromise the structural integrity of structures.
Salt greatly accelerates corrosion so metals near or on the ocean are particularly vulnerable.
As most of Australia’s large cities are coastal, corrosion is a large problem in this country. Indeed, the annual cost of corrosion is estimated to be A$13 billion
Knowing the corrosivity of a location enables the right material to be used. This provides the right balance between cost and durability of components.
Our response
CSIRO is taking a holistic approach to solving corrosion problems by understanding the environment and how it interacts with materials.
Such an approach studies corrosion from the global to the micron scale.
Our research incorporates:
- Electrochemistry
- Surface science
- Thermodynamics
- Climatology
- Modelling
- Information technology.
The results
Through our work we have produced Corrosion Maps of Australia and various countries around the world.
