Corrosion Facts

·         Corrosion is a chemical or electrochemical reaction between a material (usually metal) and its environment that causes deterioration of that material.

·         Corrosion affects a wide range of industries:  transportation (highways, bridges, railroads, aircrafts, etc.), production and manufacturing, and utilities.

·         According to a 2002 Federal Highway Administration report, corrosion damage costs the U.S. $279 billion a year—about 3.1% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

·         Corrosion control methods that currently exist include: protective coatings, corrosion resistant metals and alloys, corrosion inhibitors, polymers, and anodic and cathodic protection.

·         The University of Akron will offer the first bachelor’s program in Corrosion Engineering in the country. The program has a $500,000 contract with the U.S. Department of Defense.

·         About 75% of employers for engineers face a shortage of engineers with corrosion expertise.

(Source: University of Akron)