Anti-corrosion

Anti-corrosion refers to the protection of metal surfaces from corroding in high-risk (corrosive) environments.^[1]

When metallic materials are put into corrosive environments, they tend to have chemical reactions with the air and/or water. The effects of corrosion become evident on the surfaces of these materials. For example, after putting the iron into a corrosive atmosphere for an extended period, the iron starts rusting due to oxygen interaction with water on the iron's surface.^[2]

Metal equipment lacking any preventive (anti-corrosive) measures, may become rusted both inside and out, depending upon atmospheric conditions and how much of that equipment is exposed to the air. There are a number of methods for preventing corrosion, especially in marine applications. Anti-corrosion measures are of particular importance in environments where high humidity, mist, and salt are factors.^[3]

Protection from corrosion

• Anti-corrosion materials
  • Stainless steel
  • Electrogalvanized cold-rolled steel (SECC), a type of zinc-plated steel, used as a housing to protect electronic components^[4]
  • Barrier coatings provide a consistent film that forms a chemically resistant barrier and blocks external factors from causing harm. ^[5]
  • Sacrificial coatings contain certain element (such as aluminum or zinc) which oxidize sacrificially to ensure the protected element remains corrosion free.^[6]
• Enclosure design: fully sealed enclosures (at least full IP65) to protect internal electronic components, used in highly salty and damp places
• Painting treatments on the surface: Another way to protect metal housings from corrosion is by using anti-corrosive paint or powder coat on the metallic surface. The function of this coating is to act as a barrier that inhibits contact between chemical compounds or corrosive materials with the metal housing.

References