Effective strategies to prevent corrosion of fasteners
Corrosion of fasteners is a fairly common problem that can compromise the strength and durability of these elements. With this article we at Gel Giussani will explore the corrosion of fasteners, its causes, the different types of corrosion, the negative effects on their functionality and the strategies to effectively prevent it.
Introduction to corrosion of fasteners
Corrosion is a natural process that causes the gradual deterioration of materials, especially metals, due to chemical or electrochemical reactions with the surrounding environment. In the case of fasteners, corrosion can occur when these elements are exposed to corrosive substances or unfavourable environmental conditions.
Consequently, the prevention of corrosion of fasteners is of fundamental importance to ensure the safety and durability of the structures and objects that use these products, thus avoiding any structural failure.
Causes of corrosion of fasteners
There are several causes that can lead to corrosion of fasteners, some of these include:
- Moisture and water effects: moisture and water can accelerate the corrosion process, especially if corrosive substances such as salts or acids are present in the surrounding environment.
- Chemical reactions with corrosive substances: some materials or chemicals may react with fasteners and cause corrosion. For example, exposure to acidic substances can erode fasteners over time.
- Effects of oxidation and rust: oxidation is a chemical process that involves the interaction between the metal of fasteners and the oxygen in the air. This can lead to rust formation, which reduces the mechanical strength of fasteners, increasing the risk of breakage or sagging under load.
Types of corrosion of fasteners
There are different types of fastener corrosion that can occur depending on the environmental conditions and the substances involved. Some of the most common types include:
- Galvanic corrosion: this type of corrosion occurs when two different metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte, such as salt water. The potential difference between the two metals causes corrosion of one of the metals.
- Atmospheric corrosion: atmospheric corrosion occurs due to the exposure of fasteners to air and moisture. This type of corrosion can be accelerated in industrial environments or places with high concentrations of air pollutants or water vapor.
- Stress corrosion: stress corrosion occurs when fasteners are subjected to constant mechanical stress over time. This type of corrosion can cause breakage of fasteners and compromise the safety of structures.
- Intergranular corrosion: intergranular corrosion occurs along the edges of fasteners metal grains. This type of corrosion can be caused by welding processes or exposure to high temperatures.
The negative effects of corrosion
Corrosion of poorly protected fasteners can lead to a number of negative consequences that can affect the effectiveness and longevity of products. A common effect is the reduction of their strength and durability. This weakening caused by corrosion could compromise the fasteners’ ability to withstand adequate loads, increasing the risk of structural failure and necessitating replacement of damaged ones. In addition, fasteners that have a high corrosion facility may lose their main function of firmly fixing materials together, thus jeopardizing the functionality of objects and the safety of the structures to which they are applied. If not replaced or repaired, these fasteners in the long run can also cause structural damage, leading to unscheduled repairs.
Prevention of corrosion of fasteners
Corrosion prevention in fasteners is crucial to ensure their durability and safety of structures. It is important to keep in mind that corrosion does not always cause functional problems, so it is essential to carefully assess which material is most suitable according to the end use of the product, in addition to the external environmental characteristics. In fact, even normal, adequately protected construction steel could be used as required. Relying on qualified technical personnel, like us at Gel Giussani, is essential to obtain cost-effective fasteners for each application.
Materials commonly used in corrosive environments include stainless steel, such as AISI 302, AISI 304 and AISI 316, titanium, known for its corrosion resistance, and super alloys such as Duplex, Super Duplex, Inconel and Incoloy.
In addition, the application of protective coatings, such as paints or galvanization, allows the creation of an additional physical barrier between the fasteners and the surrounding environment, further increasing corrosion protection.
Finally, it is always advisable to carry out regular maintenance and cleaning of the fasteners, in order to remove any corrosive substances or deposits that could accelerate the corrosion process.
Conclusions and the role of Gel Giussani
In conclusion, the prevention of corrosion of fasteners plays a crucial role in ensuring the durability and safety of the structures and objects that use them, when and if it represents a feature closely linked to the function of the product. At Gel Giussani, we stand as a reliable supplier of fasteners, offering a wide range of products, including U-bolts, threaded studs and tie rods. According to the technical evaluation of our sales staff and in relation to the use of the product, in addition to the supply of the already mentioned AISI 302, AISI 304 and AISI 316, the use of structural steels with or without galvanic protection and special alloys can be arranged. Your safety and the duration of your projects are our priority; discover now all the raw materials we use or contact us for more information.
