BSc Materials Science and Engineering

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This unit introduces the concept of corrosion measurement and monitoring methods, with a link to fundamental electrochemistry. 

The unit aims to:

• Provide an overview of mechanisms of corrosion in aqueous environments and the common corrosion measurement techniques and methods, for quantifying and monitoring material degradation.

A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Intellectual skills
• Practical skills
• Transferable skills and personal qualities

1. Blended learning, including online lectures, online activities, online tutorials and in-person activities for an approximately 30 hours
2. Laboratory-based (either practical or virtual) learning, including demonstrations: approximately 12 hours
3. Independent learning, including self-directed reading and assignments: approximately 60 hours
    

• Understand the principles by which corrosion happens via electrochemical reactions in aqueous or ionic media.
• Understand the thermodynamic relationships that govern phase stability for metals and their oxides in gaseous and aqueous environments, and the construction of Pourbaix diagrams.
   

• Comprehend the theory and applications of corrosion measurement and monitoring systems.
• Explain how corrosion behaviour of materials depends upon surface morphology and surface treatment/coating systems.
   

• Perform experiments (or simulations) to measure corrosion rates in aqueous environments.
• Understand how to use a potentiostat correctly utilising three electrode setups.
• Calculate corrosion rate from experimental measurements.
   

• Gain experience in interactions with lecturers and piers via remote systems.
• Gain experience working with piers to understand remote laboratory demonstrations.
   

Written and verbal

•    “Surface Engineering for Corrosion and Wear Resistance”, J.R. Davis, ASM International, 2001.
•    “Corrosion Failure Analysis with Case Histories “, Eiselstein, L. E. & Huet, R., in Uhlig's Corrosion Handbook, 3rd Edition (ed R. W. Revie), John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
•    “Corrosion mechanisms in theory and practice”; edited by P. Marcus and J. Oudar, M. Dekker, 1995.
•    “Electrochemical Techniques in Corrosion Science and Engineering,” R. Kelly, J. Scully, D. Shoesmith, R. Buchheit, Marcel Dekker, 2003.
•    “Analytical Methods in Corrosion Science and Engineering,” P. Marcus, F. Mansfield, CRC Taylor&Francis Group, 2006.
•    Shreir’s Corrosion Handbook, 4th Edition, Vol. 1, Elsevier, 2010.
•    “Introduction to the High Temperature Oxidation of Metals”, N.Birks, G.H.Meier, F.S.Pettit, Cambridge Academic Publisher, 2009.
•    “High Temperature Oxidation and Corrosion of Metals,” D. Young, Elsevier, 2008.