Corrosion of carbon and low alloy steels

Due to the breadth of the subject, it is impossible to cover comprehensively the whole range of corrosion applications and processes for carbon and low alloy steels. Indeed, for many topics of interest, other chapters elsewhere in this book will provide more detailed, and in-depth, treatments. The focus here is on the fundamental corrosion processes for steel and on the most important applications where it may be used unprotected: that is, mainly in the atmosphere, but also in natural and process waters, and underground. This chapter has been extensively revised from the previous edition of Shreir although some text has been retained where it is of historic interest and remains of relevance. © 2010 Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.