Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. describe fundamental chemical and electrochemical reactions involved in corrosion processes
  2. explain fundamental corrosion concepts, theory and principles
  3. apply corrosion theory to explain corrosion failures and prevention strategies from a global perspective
  4. critically evaluate data to determine the cause of corrosion and solutions for corrosion control
  5. communicate scientific information professionally and demonstrate academic integrity using appropriate writing and referencing conventions.

  • Topics

    • Introduction to corrosion, cost of corrosion, industries affected by corrosion
    • Corrosion cells and basic definitions
    • Corrosion thermodynamics (Nernst equation, Pourbaix diagram)
    • Forms of corrosion (uniform, galvanic)
    • Forms of corrosion (crevice, pitting corrosion)
    • Forms of corrosion (erosion corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen embrittlement)
    • Electrochemical kinetics (Butler-Volmer equation, Stern-Geary)
    • Electrochemical kinetics (Tafel plot, Evan's diagram)
    • Corrosion monitoring techniques (Laboratory and field devices)
    • Corrosion prevention by impeding corrosion cell (Coating)
    • Corrosion prevention by changing thermodynamic (CP)
    • Corrosion prevention by influencing electrochemical kinetics (inhibitor)

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Online Quizzes/Tests
      • Online assignment submission
      • Podcasting/Leacture capture
      • Standard Media

    • Online Materials

      • Audio-Video streaming
      • Online Assessment
      • Quizzes
      • Resources and Links

In order to enrol in this subject, you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:

Core
  • CUR-COE-MAS-2018
  • CUR-COE-GDI-2018
  • CUR-COE-GCE-2018
Elective
  • OUA-PSU-GCE-2018

Special requirements

  • OtherDetails -

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In this subject, students will learn reduction and oxidation reactions (electrochemical process) which forms the fundamental of corrosion. Knowledge on electrochemistry will extend to corrosion cells, corrosion potentials, thermodynamics and kinetics of corrosion. The focus will be on the application of Nernst equation (thermodynamics) to determine the likelihood of corrosion and the application of Butler-Volmer equations (kinetics) to determine corrosion rate. Different corrosion behaviour of various metals including passivity of passive alloys will be discussed. Various forms of corrosion such as localised corrosion, uniform corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, etc., will be investigated. The subject also covers corrosion testing, monitoring techniques, and prevention plans.

Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

  • Final Invigilated Examination (50%)
  • Two Written Report Assignments (30%)
  • Four Online Quizzes (20%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

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Related Degrees

postgraduate OUA-PSU-GCE-2018

Postgraduate Single Subjects