What is an anti-corrosion coating?

Anti-corrosion coating is the process of covering a surface or substrate with another substance to temporarily or continuously protect it from deterioration or degradation due to reaction with the environment or corrosive agents. Some anti-corrosion coatings may not remove, but only slow down corrosion; some coatings, such as paints and varnishes, are not only protective but also decorative.

Anti-corrosion coatings can be applied as a liquid, gas (vapor deposition) or solid. It is one of the protective materials or methods used to eliminate or slow down the corrosion of articles or components, which has a longer service life and reduces maintenance and parts replacement costs.

There are several factors to consider when selecting a suitable anti-corrosion coating, such as:

• Corrosion is usually caused by a combination of conditions and the relationship between materials.

• The type of corrosion in which the part is most likely to occur (for example, stress corrosion cracking, general corrosion, galvanic corrosion, pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, or pattern corrosion).

• How the part is used.

• How long the part will be exposed to the corrosive environment and the strength of the corrosive material.

• Environmental conditions to which the part will be exposed (temperature, humidity, location of the part (outdoor, indoor)).

• The quality of the surface of the part - is it free from surface porosity and other imperfections, since microscopic pores allow corrosive agents to reach below the surface.

Before making a final selection, users should test to confirm that the selection is indeed the correct one.