Corrosion Rate

The corrosion rate indicates how quickly a material is degraded by corrosion. It is often expressed in millimetres per year (mm/a) and describes the material loss per unit of time under specific environmental conditions. The corrosion rate is a decisive parameter for estimating the service life of components and structures. It depends on various factors, including the chemical composition of the material (see material data sheets), the type of corrosive medium (e.g. salt solutions, acids, humid atmosphere) and the ambient temperature. In stainless steel, the content of alloying elements such as chromium, nickel and molybdenum in particular influence the corrosion resistance and thus the corrosion rate. Suitable alloy compositions and surface treatments can significantly reduce the corrosion rate of stainless steel, resulting in extended service life and lower maintenance costs.