To protect surfaces from corrosion damage, there are several methods commonly used by anti-corrosion specialists. One method in corrosion control and protection is the direct treatment of the surface to enable it to be corrosion-resistant. Another method is to install cathodic protection to the surface. Yet another is to implement what is known as a controlled permeability framework.
1. Treating the surface
Corrosion-prone surfaces undergo a special treatment to allow them to resist corrosive agents. One common surface treatment is to paint it with corrosion-resistant coatings. Another method is to apply plating. Either way, the surface is shielded from the corrosive environment. For coatings applications, corrosion inhibitors are often added to the mix to make the surface impervious from electrochemical reactions. Salts, chromates and other conductive polymers and chemicals are good corrosion inhibitors.
2. Cathodic protection
Another method to control corrosion of metal surfaces is through cathodic protection, which involves imbuing the surface with properties similar to a cathode in an electrochemical cell. An anodic material is sacrificed to the corrosion process. The goal is to polarize the surface with uniform potential, which halts the corrosive process.
3. Controlled permeability formwork
Controlled permeability formwork prevents corrosion by increasing the robustness of the coating material. Aside from corrosive agents, carbonation, frost, abrasion and other damages can weaken the surface cover. The permeability formwork enhances the strength of the cover, preventing corrosion in the long run.
