When it comes to construction, metal selection matters because it defines the lifespan of the building and how firm and strong it would be. While some buyers might emphasize the look and appeal of the manufacturing project, what many forget is- corrosion.
If a builder does not prioritize anti-corrosion in construction, what would be left behind? - ugly, rust, decaying, and poor-quality project. With corrosion-resistant material, it is easy to build a functional project that is durable and stays non-reactive to harsh climates. Below find the top 5 choices when it comes to corrosion-resistant building material.
Stainless Steel Offers Durability and Glossy Finish
When it comes to stainless steel, the ratio of nickel and chromium present is what makes them anti-corrosive and robust. When stainless steel is used for building construction, it almost comes with 18% chromium content, if not more.
Chromium oxidizes, therefore, forming a strong shielding layer of chromium oxide around the surface of the metal and stops oxygen from entering. Many high-rise buildings are now going for stainless steel windows and construction as it offers more of a polished, high-end look.
High-Strength Aluminium is Naturally Anti-Corrosive
This is the most common option for building construction, and aluminum alloys are certainly non-toxic.
- It showcases high thermal conductivity
- It rarely contains iron and therefore cannot rust.
Aluminum, when it comes in contact with water, due to a method called self-passivation, it forms a layer of aluminum oxide that protects the metal. This is a huge reason why aluminum can fight against a harsh climate, sea salt. It is economically an affordable option, and therefore a choice for many.
Galvanized Steel- A Step Above Steel
Galvanized steel oxidizes through the process of galvanization to add a protective layer- mainly zinc to fight corrosion. You might observe a layer of ‘white rust’ on outside products made of galvanized steel, but actually, it is not rust. The zinc layer gets thicker as the grade of galvanized steel increases.
Red Metals Including Several Luxury Metals
When it comes to red metals, copper and its various alloys, including brass as well as bronze, belong under anti-corrosion. As time passes, the red metal will oxidize, forming a green tinge, but they offer years of benefit by being anti-corrosive. They are a bit on the expensive side and, therefore, the term ‘luxury metals.’
Corten Steel- A New Addition To the List of Anti-Corrosion Metals
Corten is also known as weathering steel. The term Corten could be divided into ‘cor,’ which denotes its anti-corrosion properties, and ‘ten’ denotes its tensile strength. It acts a lot like aluminum and ‘freezes’ to form a protective layer around the metal.
Cortec-me is a global leader when it comes to offering solutions for anti-corrosion coating. They have an excellent team of engineers who work towards providing the best anti-corrosion solutions to various industries.