DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Caldona: Surface Electrochemical Approaches May Save Materials and Equipment From Corrosion
By: Ella Vanesa Lopez
Corrosion, the silent killer in the metals and engineering industries, is a major concern worldwide. The good news is that this threat can actually be minimized, according to DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Eugene B. Caldona.
“Corrosion is a serious economic problem, and it takes its toll on national landmarks, works of art, historical artifacts, and businesses,” Dr. Caldona said during his talk. He added, “Corrosion is a difficult phenomenon to understand; it may seem simple, but the study of it is a difficult but interesting pursuit for everybody.”
Corrosion can be defined as the progressive and gradual deterioration of metals as a result of chemical or electrochemical reactions with their surroundings. As it gradually happens, more often than not, people become aware of it after it has already spread and caused significant problems.
Official poster of Dr. Eugene B. Caldona, DOST Balik Scientist, for his talk on “Surface Electrochemical Approaches to Evaluating Corrosion Preventive Materials”
Most businesses and industries heavily rely on machines and equipment that are made of metal. The fact that we reside in an archipelagic and tropical country makes us more susceptible to this issue. As corrosion attacks metals, it is no wonder that it causes catastrophic effects on the safety, health, and conservation of materials.
Fortunately, Dr. Caldona is here to assist people in protecting their investments.
Dr. Caldona shared various techniques on how to minimize the damage of corrosion
Attendees of the seminar “Surface Electrochemical Approaches to Evaluating Corrosion Preventive Materials” by Dr. Eugene Caldona held on July 11, 2023.
A scientific solution to a scientific problem
Dr. Eugene B. Caldona has a dedicated team researching the development of new groups of corrosion-preventive materials and the use of electrochemical approaches to evaluating corrosion-preventive materials.
He shared various techniques to fight the damage of corrosion. The most widely used is the organic polymeric coating - it functions as a physical barrier that prevents the metal surface from coming into contact with the corrosive environment. Paints, urethane, epoxy, acrylic, and silicone are considered organic coatings.
Dr. Caldona did point out, however, that an organic coating is not an impenetrable barrier as substances, such as water and oxygen, can still pass through and cause damage.
Aside from organic coatings, he also introduced five electrochemical techniques, namely: Open Circuit Potential, Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy, Potentiodynamic Polarization, Electrochemical Noise, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. Among these five techniques, the most highlighted is the quantitative technique known as Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), as the anti-corrosion effectiveness of protective coatings can be quickly evaluated using the EIS. Further, EIS measurements deliver reliable data quickly, enabling the prediction of the coatings' long-term performance.
Knowing which technique to use is the key to successful corrosion protection, as each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Caldona reminded the attendees to select based on their target objectives. For business owners whose bread and butter are their machines and equipment, knowing these techniques will surely be handy.
DOST-MIRDC, as the sole government agency that caters to the requirements of the metals, engineering, and allied industries, is dedicated to improving the quality and performance of the industry's products, processes, and operations through its testing and calibration services. Companies may avail of the Center’s corrosion testing service to determine the corrosion resistance of coatings used in their metal products.
The recently concluded seminar is the second of the seminar series by Dr. Caldona for the DOST Balik Scientist Program. For more details on his next seminars, stay tuned to DOST-MIRDC’s Facebook page.
