Why do metals corrode?
To create a metallic substance, man simply takes a natural ore and adds energy in the form of heat or compression. This addition of energy forces the natural ore to transform into metallic substance. Therefore metal is simply natural ore and stored up energy. Natural Ore + Energy = Metallic Substance From the moment a metal is formed it begins to release its stored up energy. We call this process corrosion. The Amount of Energy stored in the metal Each one requires a specific amount of energy to transform it into metallic substance. The more energy needed in the process the faster the resulting metal will corrode. Environmental Factors Acids will accelerate the natural electrochemical process of corrosion by forcing the metal to release energy faster than normal. Moisture is the leading cause of accelerated corrosion due to its abundance in the environment. Moisture like acids allow metals to release energy faster than is natural.
