NEW TECHNOLOGIES - NEW CORROSION PROBLEMS

Adequate resistance of materials to corrosion is important for both established and new technologies. A new approach to evaluating the costs of corrosion and corrosion protection, based on maintenance - and especially corrosion related maintenance, is proposed to complement the long accepted GNP measure. The industrial significance of corrosion and materials problems is demonstrated with examples from the areas of power engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, and biotechnology. Two technologies are of particular interest in focusing attention on new methods of investigation: microelectronics and final disposal of nuclear waste. Finally, the importance of transfer of experience and technology is stressed. Since manufacturers and operators of machines and plant do not generally have access to the latest knowledge, they should be kept informed through advisory services, databases, and further education.