Environmental Resistance (Corrosion)

Resistance is a property whose universal importance has been obscured by the circumstance that it has been inherent in the choice of materials for most common applications.

Corrosion-resistance requirements vary from the absolute, where even a trace of contamination in a fine chemical, food or cosmetic is unacceptable, to the barely adequate where the cheapest material that can last over the minimum economic life should be chosen.

When assessing corrosion resistance, attention should be paid not only to the overall rate of corrosion but also to the possibility of localised corrosion. This may destroy the component integrity without significant dimensional changes. Corrosion mechanisms may cause the disintegration or deterioration of metals, polymers, ceramics, glass and minerals.

Wear Resistance

Wear is the product of the relative movement between one component and another or its environment. Prevention of wear depends principally on design and operation, but can be minimised or eliminated by the correct choice of material, material pair, or coatings.