Corrosion-Resistant Materials
Corrosion-resistant materials are chosen to survive specific environments such as seawater, acids, alkalis or chlorides, including stainless steels, duplex grades, nickel alloys, titanium, copper alloys and plastics like PTFE, PVDF and PP. Matching material to chemistry avoids premature failure.
What it is
Corrosion resistance depends on the exact chemical, concentration, temperature and oxygen level. For example, 316 resists many chemicals but can pit in warm seawater; duplex and super duplex do better; titanium and Hastelloy handle harsher chlorides and acids; plastics can outperform metals in many acids.
Selection also considers galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals and crevice conditions.
Typical applications
- Chemical plant equipment
- Seawater and marine parts
- Food and pharma equipment
- Water treatment components
- Plating and pickling equipment
Materials & grades
- Stainless steels (304, 316, duplex)
- Nickel alloys (Monel, Hastelloy, Inconel)
- Titanium
- Copper alloys (aluminium bronze)
- Plastics (PTFE, PVDF, PP, PVC)
Points to consider
- Share the full process chemistry, temperature and concentration.
- Avoid galvanic couples between dissimilar metals in electrolytes.
- Design out crevices where possible.
- Plastics or linings can be more economical than exotic alloys.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a corrosion-resistant material?
Share the chemical, concentration, temperature and conditions; material is then matched using corrosion data and experience.
Is 316 stainless steel corrosion proof?
No material is universally corrosion proof. 316 is very good generally but can pit in warm chlorides where duplex or titanium perform better.
Can plastics replace metals in corrosive service?
Often yes. PTFE, PVDF, PP and PVC resist many acids better than metals, within their temperature and pressure limits.