Causes of corrosion that might surprise you

You’re probably familiar with the usual culprits of corrosion - rain, humidity, salts. But there are a number of lesser-known factors that lead to corrosion.

Perhaps most surprising is that sometimes the very thing employed to prevent corrosion ends up causing it. For example, many covers actually accelerate corrosion. That’s because they aren’t air-permeable, which allows heat to build up under the cover and create condensation. That moisture gets trapped under the cover and becomes corrosive. (That’s why Cocoon covers are highly air-permeable.) 

Ironically, Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors (VCIs) can also end up causing corrosion rather than inhibiting it.* VCIs need to be employed in a completely enclosed environment to deposit evenly on a clean surface. Protective covers are not fully enclosed, so VCI chemicals typically settle unevenly on equipment, which results in pitting (considered the worst form of corrosion).

The Joint Service Manual for Storage and Materials Handling (DLAM 4145.2) states, “VCI materials will not protect all metals from corrosion; in fact, they appear to increase the rate of corrosion in certain metals.”

Other causes of corrosion that might not come immediately to mind are:

Pollution - the exhaust from machines, vehicles, power plants.

UV radiation - the sun’s UV rays, particularly over extended periods, contribute to corrosion.

High temperatures - heat, especially mixed with high humidity, exacerbates corrosion.

Certain coatings - moisture can get under some coatings and remain trapped there.

Sand - the abrasive effect of sand erodes metal surfaces, making them susceptible to corrosion.

Fortunately there are steps you can take to combat virtually all causes of corrosion. Contact us to discuss the environments you operate in and we’ll help you Master the Elements.

*VCIs are also hazardous to soldier health which is why we designed our covers to not need them.