Corrosion causes the undesirable changes and degradation of materials
(products, structures, devices) mainly by electrochemical reactions. The study
of corrosion has complex nature and follows the students´ previous knowledge of
chemistry, physics (thermodynamics and kinetics), materials science and
technology. In this subject the student gains theoretical as well as practical
knowledge of corrosion processes and protection methods, especially under
atmospheric conditions and water environments. The attention is also paid to
the localized types of corrosion: pitting, crevice, intergranular, stress
corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue. In chemical corrosion, the specific
types of corrosion in gases at higher temperatures, including destruction by
hydrogen. The study of corrosion protection is aimed at materials selection
with respect to environment severity, at surface treatment, electric (cathodic)
protection, inhibitors and structure design. The student is also learn from
standard methods of testing and evaluation of material resistance to corrosion.