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Introduction to Degradation

Corrosion

Deterioration of metals due to the reaction with the environment.

All corrosion reactions are electrochemical in nature.

Electrochemical reactions

Pair of reactions in which electron transfer occurs from one reaction to another.

Oxidation

The reaction where an electron is released. Aka. anodic reaction.

Reduction

The reaction where an electron is consumed. Aka. cathodic reaction.

Anode

The site at which oxidation takes place.

Cathode

The site at which reduction takes place.

Common reactions

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)