73566 - Corrosion and Protection of Materials M

Learning outcomes

Students will learn about corrosion processes and degradation mechanisms of materials. To promote a safe and durable design, protection systems will be described and evaluated.

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. This knowledge is usually acquired following the course of Metallurgy and/or Materials Science.

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

COURSE CONTENT:

• Morphology of corrosive phenomena and types of corrosion.  
• Wet corrosion: electrochemical mechanisms, thermodynamics, Nerst equation, Pourbaix diagrams.
• Wet corrosion: kinetics, polarization and corrosion rate, types of overpotential.
• Passivation theory and passivation stability.
• Localized corrosion: pitting, crevice corrosion, intergranular corrosion, etc.. Combined action of stress and environment: stress corrosion cracking, corrosion fatigue, hydrogen cracking, etc.
• Corrosion in water and in atmospheric conditions.
• Protection systems for wet corrosion: thermal, chemical, mechanical treatments for metal surfaces cleaning and metallic, inorganic and organic coatings. Corrosion inhibitors. Anodic and cathodic protection.
• Dry corrosion: thermodynamics and corrosion rate. High-temperature resistant materials.
• Degradations of non metallic materials: main mechanisms.
• Selection criteria for materials suitable for specific environments.

Readings/Bibliography

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

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and laboratory.

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

Before attending the laboratory classes, all the students are required to take the safety courses (modulus 1 and modulus 2) available online at this page

https://site.unibo.it/tutela-promozione-salute-sicurezza/it/corsi-di-formazione/formazione-obbligatoria-su-sicurezza-e-salute-per-svolgimento-di-tirocinio-tesi-laboratorio

 

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 systems 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.

The examination dates and the registration lists are available on-line on the official AlmaEsami website.

Teaching tools

Slides shown during the classes are available on Virtuale platform.

All the lessons are saved on a digital blackboard and uploaded on Virtuale platform.

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

Office hours

See the website of Maria Bignozzi