The chemistry of corrosion important for progress of metal industry

Press, 12 September 1986, Page 6

The chemistry of corrosion important for progress of metal industry

A special course on. corrosion was hosted earlier this year by Accord Electroplating, Ltd, under the auspices of the Canterbury Manufacturing Association. The course was held for South Island students, but most of those who attended were from Christchurch and Dunedin. All were drawn from various parts of the metal manufacturing, and chemical supply industry. Mr Mario Pennisi, a laboratory manager for the University of Queensland conducted the course pointing out the causes, nature, and methods of preventing corrosion. According to Mr John

Highman, the manager of Accord Electroplating, Ltd, corrosion is a very important problem tackled in the metal industry as 50 per cent of the industry’s work involves protecting metal from corrosion, while the other 50 per cent is in enhancing the aesthetic appearance of an object. “If people can understand corrosion better, then it can affect the initial design of different products and the type of finishes applied to them. The end result is a more successful industry and a better product,” Mr Highman said. “From a student and engineering point of view

such courses are very important, and I doubt whether this course would be the last.

“Understanding the chemistry of corrosion gives the industry a technical depth which . can help develop the industry to keep up with the

changing technology used; abroad,” said Mr High-’ man.

Mr Highman also stated that some interest has been shown by the Christchurch Polytechnic in starting a similar course there in 1987.