Foreword

This work, Corrosion: Environments and Industries, is application driven. The best practices in segments of industry with respect to materials selection, protection of materials, and monitoring of corrosion are presented. The challenges of local environments encountered within these industries, as well as large-scale environmental challenges, are documented. The choice of solutions to these challenges can be found.

Just as the environment affects materials, so also corrosion and its by-products affect the immediate environment. Nowhere is the immediate effect of more concern than in biomedical implants. We are pleased with the new information shared by experts in this field.

As we recognize the energy costs of producing new materials of construction, the creation of engineered systems that will resist corrosion takes on added importance. The importance and costs of maintenance have been discussed for many of the industrial segments—aviation, automotive, oil and gas pipeline, chemical, and pulp and paper industries, as well as the military. The consequences of material degradation are addressed as the service temperatures of materials are pushed higher for greater efficiency in energy conversion. As engineered systems are made more complex and the controlling electronics are made smaller, the tolerance for any corrosion is lessened.

ASM International is deeply indebted to the Editors, Stephen D. Cramer and Bernard S. Covino, Jr., who envisioned the revision of the landmark 1987 Metals Handbook, 9th edition, Volume 13. The energy they sustained throughout this project and the care they gave to every article has been huge. The resulting three Volumes contain 281 articles, nearly 3000 pages, 3000 figures, and 1500 tables––certainly impressive statistics. Our Society is as impressed and equally grateful for the way in which they recruited and encouraged a community of corrosion experts from around the world and from many professional organizations to volunteer their time and ability.

We are grateful to the 200 authors and reviewers who shared their knowledge of corrosion and materials for the good of this Volume. They are listed on the next several pages. And again, thanks to the contributors to the preceding two Volumes and the original 9th edition Corrosion Volume.

Thanks also go to the members of the ASM Handbook Committee for their involvement in this project and their commitment to keep the information of the ASM Handbook series current and relevant to the needs of our members and the technical community. Finally, thanks to the ASM editorial and production staff for the overall result.