background bubble helix decoration
plating aluminum improving chemical resistance

Chemical Resistance

What is Chemical Resistance?

The Basics of Chemical Resistance

Request a Quote

Overview

The Basics of Chemical Resistance

Chemical resistance in metal assets is an essential property that influences their ability to withstand degradation in corrosive environments. Understanding and improving the chemical resistance of metallic materials is crucial for virtually all major industries where aggressive mediums and harsh environments are present during operations. A thorough comprehension and effective control of chemical degradation are vital for engineers to ensure the functionality and longevity of metal assets.
Chemical resistance can be defined as the ability of a metal or alloy to resist chemical attack or degradation in a specific environment. It is a measure of the material’s stability, durability, and compatibility with a given corrosive medium. Synonyms for chemical resistance may include corrosion resistance, chemical compatibility, and chemical stability.

Several factors influence the chemical resistant level of metal assets. Key variables include:

  • Operating Environment: The chemical composition, temperature, and concentration of aggressive species in the environment can affect the material’s resistance to corrosion and degradation.
  • Protective Surface Films: The presence and stability of protective surface films, such as oxide layers or passive films, can enhance the chemical resistance of the material by providing a barrier to corrosion.
  • Electrochemical Factors: The electrochemical properties of the material, such as corrosion potential and electrochemical kinetics, can influence the rate of chemical degradation and corrosion.
  • Exposure Time: The duration of exposure to the corrosive environment can impact the extent of chemical degradation, as longer exposure times typically result in increased material loss.

To minimize the occurrence and severity of chemical degradation in metal components, engineers can employ various mitigation strategies, which include:

  • Material Selection: Choose materials with suitable properties for the task at hand, such as high chemical deterrence and appropriate compatibility with the given corrosive environment.
  • Protective Coatings: The main line of defense against chemical attack is to apply protective coatings or surface treatments, such as inorganic zinc coatings, epoxy-based coatings, or nickel Teflon, to improve the corrosion resistance and provide a barrier to chemical attack.
  • Environmental Control: Control the operating environment by minimizing exposure to aggressive chemicals, reducing temperature fluctuations, and controlling the concentration of specific aggressive species.
  • Surface Preparation: Ensure proper surface preparation, such as cleaning, degreasing, and removal of surface defects, to promote uniform adhesion of the protective films and reduce the likelihood of localized corrosion or chemical degradation.

Armoloy's Solution to Chemical Degradation

Armoloy offers multiple metal surface treatments with varying levels of protection from the causes of chemical degradation. Offering both broad-spectrum and industry-specific applications, our protective metallic coatings add significant value through increased performance and decreased revenue losses from unplanned maintenance and downtime.

Our protective coatings ensure a thin, precise coat that won’t impact production, but will improve surface hardness and prevent environmental defects. Beyond increasing wear life, Armoloy tailors our metallic coatings based on the specific requirements of your application and industry.

Beyond the Lab: Metal Failures in Narrative Form

Other Metal Failure Modes

Other common metal failures include:

Chemical degradation can also result from, or be a precursor to, other potential metal failures

Partner With Us

Enhance chemical deterrence for your metal components. Meet our group of curious, innovative engineers and learn how we can help improve your industry with science-based solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions