WCO - World Corrosion Organization

Corrosion Resources

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Publications Videos Member Organization Publications

Publications

Corrosion Costs and the Future

The following is an abstract from, “Now is the Time,” a paper presented by George F. Hays, PE, Director General, World Corrosion Organization.

Abstract
At US $2.2 trillion, the annual cost of corrosion worldwide is over 3% of the world’s GDP. Yet, governments and industries pay little attention to corrosion except in high-risk areas like aircraft and pipelines. Now is the time for corrosion professionals to join together to educate industry, governments, and the public. Now is the time to work together to harmonize standards and practices around the world and to communicate and share corrosion mitigation technologies. Now is the time to make a major impact to protect the environment, preserve resources, and protect our fellow human beings.

Read the entire paper, “Now is the Time” (PDF 79 kb).

White Paper

The following is an abstract from, “Global Needs for Knowledge Dissemination, Research, and Development in Materials Deterioration and Corrosion Control,” a paper presented by Günter Schmitt, in cooperation with Michael Schütze, George F. Hays, Wayne Burns, En-Hou Han, Antoine Pourbaix, and Gretchen Jacobson.

Abstract
Corrosion has been the subject of scientific study for more than 150 years. It is a naturally occurring phenomenon commonly defined as the deterioration of a material (usually a metal) or its properties because of a reaction with its environment. Like other natural hazards such as earthquakes or severe weather disturbances, corrosion can cause dangerous and expensive damage to everything from pipelines, bridges, and public buildings to vehicles, water and wastewater systems, and even home appliances. Unlike weather-related disasters, however, there are time-proven methods to prevent and control corrosion that can reduce or eliminate its impact on public safety, the economy, and the environment.

Read the entire paper, “Global Needs for Knowledge Dissemination, Research, and Development in Materials Deterioration and Corrosion Control” (PDF 1.98 mb).

Videos

Bringing Corrosion Awareness to the Public

A primary objective of the World Corrosion Organization is to raise public awareness of corrosion phenomena and its cost. The estimated cost of corrosion to all the world’s economies is $2.2 trillion USD ($2,200,000,000,000) annually. Application of existing corrosion control technologies would save $660 billion USD ($660,000,000,000) worldwide.

Three of our member organizations, the Australasian Corrosion Association, the Kuwait Fondation for The Advancement of Science and NACE International have produced videos and published lengthy reports to illustrate how corrosion affects our lives and what it costs our economies.

	CorrConnect Video on Corrosion Comprehension: “Combating the Pervasive Menace” This video discusses what corrosion is all about: its initiation, components, forms, and ways of mitigation. It also discusses how dangerous corrosion is and why we should fight the battle against it. View the video
	CorrConnect Video on Corrosion Comprehension: “Portraying Polymers” The use of polymeric coatings is one way to shield and insulate surfaces of structures from their environment in order to mitigate corrosion. The history, properties, types and applications of polymers are discussed in this video, and their roles in combating corrosion, particularly on DoD weapon systems and infrastructure, are highlighted. View the video
	CorrConnect Video on Corrosion Comprehension: “Specifically Ceramics” Ceramics are complex materials with a variety of properties that can be engineered for a number of difficult applications. Different kinds of ceramics have corresponding applications on preventing corrosion. Their characteristics, as well as strengths and weaknesses, are explored in this video. View the video
	CorrConnect Video on Corrosion Comprehension: “Operating in Corrosive Environments” This video talks about how an environment affects the rate of degradation of materials. It introduces the quantitative measure of the reaction of a material to its operating environment, known as the ESI or the Environmental Severity Index. The ESI of DoD bases around the world are enumerated and explored. View the video
	NACE International’s Public Awareness - Video on Corrosion: “Spotlight on Corrosion” View the video (in English or Spanish) / Purchase the video
	History Channel Documentary: “The Crumbling of America” America's infrastructure is collapsing. This is a ninety minute special from the History Channel about America's collapsing infrastructure. Very informative and a must-see for everyone who wonders why we let our roads and bridges fall apart. View the video / Purchase the video
	Australasian Corrosion Association’s video: “Turning Back Time — Winning the Fight Against Corrosion” View the video