What is the definition of corrosion?

Corrosion is defined as the destruction of materials due to chemical reactions, particularly with the environment. This process typically involves the deterioration of metals when they react with moisture, oxygen, acids, or other chemicals in their surroundings, leading to the formation of rust or other corrosion products. For instance, when iron is exposed to oxygen and water, it undergoes an electrochemical reaction that results in the formation of iron oxides, commonly known as rust.

Understanding that corrosion primarily involves chemical reactions helps differentiate it from merely physical wear, which is about gradual degradation due to friction or mechanical forces. Accumulation of dirt does not directly impact the material’s structural integrity as corrosion does, and heating materials to change their form relates to processes such as melting or forging, rather than a deterioration of material quality over time.