title = "Corrosion Mechanisms and Rust Prevention"

content = """
Corrosion — the chemical or electrochemical degradation of metals — is a persistent challenge in
metal manufacturing. For Ridgecrest Metalworks, corrosion is relevant both as a material hazard during
in-process storage and as a product quality failure mode when components are delivered to customers
without adequate corrosion protection.

Mechanisms of Corrosion:

Uniform Oxidation (Rusting): The most common form on carbon and low-alloy steels. Iron reacts with
oxygen and moisture to form iron oxide (Fe2O3), which is porous and non-protective, allowing continued
attack below the surface. Unlike aluminum or stainless steel, steel's oxide does not form a stable
barrier layer.

Galvanic Corrosion: Occurs when two dissimilar metals with different electrochemical potentials are
in electrical contact in the presence of an electrolyte (water, cutting fluid, salt spray). The more
anodic metal corrodes preferentially. Examples: aluminum in contact with steel fasteners in a wet
environment; copper and steel in contact. Insulating washers and compatible fastener materials are
used to prevent galvanic couples in assembled components.

Pitting Corrosion: Localized attack creating small pits or holes, often initiated by chloride ions.
Particularly relevant for stainless steel in marine or food processing environments. Pitting is
insidious because it can penetrate deeply with a small surface area, potentially causing stress
concentration or perforation.

Crevice Corrosion: Occurs in tight gaps (crevices) between mating surfaces where stagnant solution
becomes oxygen-depleted, causing aggressive attack within the crevice. Design guidance to minimize
crevices is provided by process engineering for customer applications in corrosive environments.

In-Process Rust Prevention:
- Parts that will sit in the machined (bare steel) condition for more than 24 hours must be coated
  with a temporary rust preventive oil (VCI oil or water-displacing rust preventive spray).
- Parts awaiting heat treatment must not be stored outdoors or in areas with high humidity.
- Machined surfaces must be free of cutting fluid residue before application of rust preventive, as
  some fluids are mildly acidic and accelerate rust under improper storage.

Final Corrosion Protection:
Permanent corrosion protection methods applied at Ridgecrest include zinc electroplating, phosphating,
black oxide, electroless nickel plating, and customer-specified paint or powder coat systems.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
