Corrosion:
- Definition: Corrosion is the chemical or electrochemical reaction between a material, typically metal, and its environment, leading to the gradual deterioration of the material. This process often involves the material reacting with oxygen, moisture, acids, or other chemicals.
- Examples: Rusting of iron, tarnishing of silver, and patina formation on copper.
Erosion:
- Definition: Erosion is the physical removal of material from a surface due to mechanical action, such as the impact of solid particles, liquid droplets, or high-velocity fluid flow. Unlike corrosion, erosion is a purely mechanical process.
- Examples: Wear of turbine blades by high-velocity steam, riverbank erosion by water flow, and wind erosion of soil.
Key Differences:
- Nature: Corrosion is a chemical process, whereas erosion is a mechanical process.
- Causes: Corrosion is caused by chemical reactions, while erosion is caused by physical forces.
Explore Erosive Vs. Corrosive metal failure for more information.