73566 - Corrosion and Protection of Materials M

Academic Year 2021/2022

Learning outcomes

Students will learn about corrosion processes (metals) and degradation mechanism (polymers and ceramic materials). Protection systems in the area of industrial engineering will be described and discussed.

Course contents

Prior Knowledge:

A prior knowledge and understanding of metallic materials (mainly steels), their microstructure and mechanical properties is required to attend with profit this course. These knowledges are usually acquired following the course of Metallurgy and/or Materials Science.

Fluent spoken and written Italian is a necessary pre-requisite: all lectures and tutorials will be in Italian.

Course contents: Morphology of corrosive phenomena, rate and penetration of corrosive attacks. Electrochemical corrosion mechanisms. Thermodynamics: Nerst equation, corrosion tendency and electrode potentials, Pourbaix diagrams. Kinetics: polarization and corrosion rate, causes of polarization.
Passivation theory. Localized corrosion: selective corrosion, pitting, stainless steel sensitization, etc. Effect of stress and environment: stress corrosion cracking, corrosion fatigue, hydrogen cracking, etc. Thermal, chemical, mechanical treatments of metal surfaces and protection methods: metallic, inorganic and organic coatings. Corrosion inhibitors. Anodic and cathodic protection. Dry corrosion: thermodynamics and corrosion rate. High-temperature resistant materials. Choice criteria for materials suitable for specific environments.

Readings/Bibliography

SUGGESTED REFERENCE BOOK:

H. Uhlig - Corrosion and Corrosion Control: an introduction to corrosion science and engineering - John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1971).

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and laboratory.

Laboratory classes are based on the direct participation of the students which collaborate in the Lab works.

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by the means of an oral examination. This is based on an analytical assessment of the "expected learning outcomes" and in particular the knowledge of the main mechanisms of corrosion and protection methods will be required.

The examination also takes into account Laboratory activity which is evaluated by means of a report reporting lab results.

The oral session, consists of a technical conversation with questions by the Professor and answers from the student.

High grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic understanding of the subject and the outcomes above mentioned, a high ability for critical application, and a clear and concise presentation of the contents.

A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, inappropriate use of language, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject.

Teaching tools

Traditional blackboard, Power Point presentations.

A report to be filled-in by the students will be delivered for the Lab works.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Bignozzi