Atmospheric corrosion of carbon steel, galvanized steel, copper, and anodized aluminum in Kuwait

This article presents the result obtained from six years of atmospheric exposure of carbon steel, galvanized steel, copper, and anodized aluminum panels at 85 sites in Kuwait. The corrosion rates were plotted as a function of the indices of the sites in the form of area maps, using a geographical information system. The time-of-wetness sensors and chloride cancles placed at several locations hsowed low to moderate values. The corrosion rates of carbon and galvanized steels were mostly low. The corrosion of these alloys appeared to be primarily controlled by the humidity and airborne salinity. With regard to copper, the corrosion rates were mostly high and were mainly affected by sulfur gases. The anodized aluminum did not corrode, but experienced sand erosion in a few places. The results were attributed to the arid desert nature of the country and its types of industrial activities.