Metal Science and Corrosion
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
This course aims to give a fundamental knowledge on the structure of metals analysing their main characteristics, starting from band structure to predict their physico-chemical properties. The acquired concepts are applied to understand the rationale of corrosion phenomena. Problems strictly connected with corrosion processes are also presented and discussed
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. Students, at the end of the lessons, will be able not only to discuss the proprieties of different metals, due to their bond structure, and to rear a Pourbaix diagrams, but also to face different corrosion phenomena, 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. Finally, students will be able to solve some specific problems connected with corrosion phenomena.
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 (taught in English) is organized as follows
Introduction to metal science: Free electron theory; Basics of band theory.
Properties of metals: Electrical, magnetic, and mechanical properties; Structure-property relationships.
Fundamentals of electrochemistry: Thermodynamics of electrochemical systems; Electrochemical kinetics; Pourbaix diagrams.
Corrosion science: General principles of corrosion; Mixed potential theory and Evans diagrams; Passivity and transpassivity.
Types of corrosion: Localized corrosion (pitting, crevice corrosion, stress corrosion cracking); Galvanic and other forms of corrosion
Corrosion prevention: Cathodic and anodic protection; Corrosion inhibitors.
Metallurgy fundamentals: Fe-C phase diagram; Alloying principles and steels.
Material selection: Criteria for selecting metallic materials in chemical industry applications
Introduction to metal science: Free electron theory; Basics of band theory.
Properties of metals: Electrical, magnetic, and mechanical properties; Structure-property relationships.
Fundamentals of electrochemistry: Thermodynamics of electrochemical systems; Electrochemical kinetics; Pourbaix diagrams.
Corrosion science: General principles of corrosion; Mixed potential theory and Evans diagrams; Passivity and transpassivity.
Types of corrosion: Localized corrosion (pitting, crevice corrosion, stress corrosion cracking); Galvanic and other forms of corrosion
Corrosion prevention: Cathodic and anodic protection; Corrosion inhibitors.
Metallurgy fundamentals: Fe-C phase diagram; Alloying principles and steels.
Material selection: Criteria for selecting metallic materials in chemical industry applications
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.
Teaching methods
The course is delivered through:
Lectures (erogative teaching): to introduce theoretical concepts (supports knowledge acquisition)
Interactive discussions: to deepen understanding and develop critical thinking
Worked examples and problem solving: to support the application of theoretical models to real cases
Graphical analysis (e.g., diagrams): to strengthen interpretation skills
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Lectures (erogative teaching): to introduce theoretical concepts (supports knowledge acquisition)
Interactive discussions: to deepen understanding and develop critical thinking
Worked examples and problem solving: to support the application of theoretical models to real cases
Graphical analysis (e.g., diagrams): to strengthen interpretation skills
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
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 of the course
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 of the course
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning will be assessed through an oral examination, consisting of: Discussion of at least two theoretical topics (duration: approx. 20-30 minutes); Solution and discussion of a numerical/problem-solving exercise
Evaluation criteria
The assessment will verify the student's ability to: Describe and explain theoretical concepts (knowledge and understanding); Apply models and tools to analyze corrosion phenomena (application); Critically discuss different solutions (judgement skills); Communicate clearly using appropriate scientific terminology.
Grading: 2/3 theoretical discussion; 1/3 problem-solving.
Evaluation criteria
The assessment will verify the student's ability to: Describe and explain theoretical concepts (knowledge and understanding); Apply models and tools to analyze corrosion phenomena (application); Critically discuss different solutions (judgement skills); Communicate clearly using appropriate scientific terminology.
Grading: 2/3 theoretical discussion; 1/3 problem-solving.
CHEM-02/A - 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