A holistic approach to solving corrosion problems

CSIRO is addressing the problem of corrosion through fundamental understanding, modelling, and the development of new methods for reducing the costs of corrosion.

• 11 March 2009 | Updated 14 October 2011

• CSIRO's approach
• Outcomes 
• Current activities

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.

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.

An associated cost is that to the environment and health from using corrosion inhibitors known as chromates.

These compounds are highly toxic (carcinogenic and mutagenic) and so their use is being phased out as 'friendlier' alternatives are found.

CSIRO's approach

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

  There are large potential savings for industry by counteracting and mitigating corrosion in a safe and effective manner.
• thermodynamics
• climatology
• modelling
• information technology.

Outcomes

Our research is applied to:

• predicting service life of components
• developing self-healing materials
• developing materials that respond to the environment
• protecting delicate artefacts.

We have a strong track record in developing systems for predicting the service life of components in both aerospace and infrastructure applications.

This work is based on our:

• new generation of sensors
• extensive suite of computer models.

Using our patented coating technologies, we are developing new inorganic-organic hybrid coating systems.

Combined with novel repair agents, these coatings are designed to be self-healing.

Our multidisciplinary approach means that many off-shoots of our research have application beyond corrosion protection. 

For example, we're developing nanomaterials and biomaterials that are responsive to their environment, as well as new methods of characterising them.

We also apply our knowledge of chemistry, microclimate and sensors to the area of cultural heritage with the aim of protecting items and collections of high cultural significance.

Current activities

Our current  research projects in this area include:

• understanding the fundamentals of corrosion processes
• modelling the physical and chemical response of materials to the environment
• developing corrosion monitoring sensors and systems
• developing environmentally friendly chromate replacement technologies
• self-healing hybrid materials
• nanomaterials and biomaterials
• cultural heritage and the preservation of cultural collections
• materials characterisation techniques.

Learn more about CSIRO’s work in Corrosion, Erosion & Degradation.