corrosion process
Corrosion, often times simply referred to as rust, is in fact part of a complex electrochemical process. Rust, iron's corrosion product, occurs because of differences in electrical potential between small areas on the steel surface involving anodes, cathodes and an electrolyte (a medium for conducting ions). These differences in potential on the steel surface are caused by variations in steel composition/structure, the presence of impurities, uneven internal stress, and/or corrosive environments.
For a more in-depth and detailed explanation of the corrosion process (including charts and information on galvanic corrosion) please review either of the following AGA publications:
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