Metal Science and Corrosion
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
This course aims to give a fundamental knowledge on the physical chemistry of metals and then to apply the relevant concepts for a basic understanding of corrosion phenomena.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will know basic concepts in the science of metals and in electrochemistry, acquiring a fundamental knowledge of corrosion and of the strategies aimed to prevent it or to protect a metal from being corroded. They will be able to study a corrosion phenomenon, to distinguish among different type of corrosions, to choose the best strategies to prevent corrosion and to protect metals, including the selection of the most suitable metallic materials.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course will be entirely conducted in English and will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to the science of metals: theory of free electrons, basics of band theory.
- Fundamentals of electrochemistry: thermodynamics and kinetics, Pourbaix diagrams.
- Corrosion: introduction, electrochemical description of corrosion (mixed potential theory, Evans diagrams), passivity, and transpassivity. Localized corrosion (pitting, crevice, stress corrosion cracking). Other types of corrosion (galvanic, interstitial, etc.).
- Corrosion protection (cathodic, anodic, corrosion inhibitors).
- Fundamentals of metallurgy, analysis of Fe/C phase diagrams, alloying. Steels.
- Selection of metallic materials, with particular reference to their use in the chemical industry.
- Introduction to the science of metals: theory of free electrons, basics of band theory.
- Fundamentals of electrochemistry: thermodynamics and kinetics, Pourbaix diagrams.
- Corrosion: introduction, electrochemical description of corrosion (mixed potential theory, Evans diagrams), passivity, and transpassivity. Localized corrosion (pitting, crevice, stress corrosion cracking). Other types of corrosion (galvanic, interstitial, etc.).
- Corrosion protection (cathodic, anodic, corrosion inhibitors).
- Fundamentals of metallurgy, analysis of Fe/C phase diagrams, alloying. Steels.
- Selection of metallic materials, with particular reference to their use in the chemical industry.
Prerequisites for admission
Competences and knowledge on physical chemistry (thermodynamics and kinetics, quantum mechanics), on mathematical analysis and on basic physics.
Prerequisite courses: Physical chemistry I and II.
Prerequisite courses: Physical chemistry I and II.
Teaching methods
The teacher will address the program's topics through frontal, and also interactive, lessons to assess students' understanding and possible cognitive difficulties along the way. Possible in-depth studies on specific topics will be proposed, also based on students' requests. Graphs related to program topics will be presented and commented on, enabling interactive discussions on specific themes.
Numerical exercises and problems related to the topics covered will be proposed and solved in class.
Numerical exercises and problems related to the topics covered will be proposed and solved in class.
Teaching Resources
- P.A. Cox "The electronic Structure and Chemistry of Solids" Oxford Science Publications
- E. McCafferty Introduction to Corrosion Science, Springer.
- G. Bianchi, F. Mazza Corrosione e protezione dei metallic (Associazione Italiana di Metallurgia)
- Other material on the Ariel website https://aminguzzimsc.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
- E. McCafferty Introduction to Corrosion Science, Springer.
- G. Bianchi, F. Mazza Corrosione e protezione dei metallic (Associazione Italiana di Metallurgia)
- Other material on the Ariel website https://aminguzzimsc.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment of learning will be conducted through an oral exam in which the student will discuss at least two topics presented in class and proposed by the teacher. The student must demonstrate understanding of the proposed themes and the ability to present them, also highlighting critical thinking skills in the discussion. The assessment will be based on the following criteria: ability to organize knowledge discursively, critical reasoning on the proposed topics, quality of presentation, and proficiency in using specialized vocabulary. The ability to solve exercises similar to those covered in class and relevant to the subject matter will also be assessed.
The final grade, out of thirty, will be divided as follows:
- 2/3 for the discussion
- 1/3 for solving the proposed problem.
The final grade, out of thirty, will be divided as follows:
- 2/3 for the discussion
- 1/3 for solving the proposed problem.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Vertova Alberto
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Vertova AlbertoProfessor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday 14-16; Friday 14-16
Dipartimento di Chimica - sezione di Elettrochimica 2nd floor