Statistical Prediction of Atmospheric Corrosion from Atmospheric-Pollution Parameters

Abstract

Pollution plays an important role in the corrosion of metals. This work deals essentially with atmospheric corrosion at Oman to assess the degrading effects of air pollutions on various metals that are mostly used in the engineering systems. It is the first exposure corrosion study carried out at Oman concerning the influence of air pollution on atmospheric corrosion of metals. Common materials like aluminum, brass, copper, epoxy, galvanized iron, mild steel, and stainless steel were used for the investigation. The sites of exposure were chosen at five locations where the metals are likely to be used. Statistical analysis was carried out and a number of statistical models for the sites were developed. The statistical analysis of the test data indicated that the correlations are statistically significant at less than the 1% level. These models revealed that the weight-loss values are more highly correlated with mean nitrate and sulphate concentrations than with corresponding mean chloride and carbonate concentrations. These findings were seen at all five sites.