Corrosion is a major problem in many industries, causing economic losses and safety and environmental issues. Traditional methods fall short of modern demands, so innovative solutions are vital. Hybrid nanomaterials are promising for corrosion prevention due to their unique properties. This chapter explores their use, mechanisms, and impact. It starts with corrosion's widespread impact and traditional limitations, introducing hybrid nanomaterials. The chapter covers their classifications, fabrication techniques, and properties, including organic-inorganic, inorganic-inorganic, and composite hybrids. It discusses their corrosion inhibition mechanisms and their incorporation into coatings and materials. Real-world applications in aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and marine industries are highlighted with case studies. Environmental concerns, toxicity, and economic viability are addressed.
Top1. Introduction
Corrosion is a ubiquitous and persistent challenge that affects a broad spectrum of industries and infrastructures, transcending geographical boundaries. It is fundamentally the gradual degradation of materials, particularly metals and alloys, brought about by chemical reactions with their surrounding environment. These reactions are typically driven by factors such as moisture, oxygen, and various chemical substances (Emelyanenko et al., 2021; Kure-Chu et al., 2021; Kwolek et al., 2022). As corrosion advances, it progressively weakens the structural integrity of the materials, giving rise to a myriad of detrimental outcomes. What makes corrosion a universal challenge is its ability to manifest in diverse settings. Whether it is the degradation of urban infrastructure like bridges, buildings, and pipelines or the corrosion of industrial machinery, vehicles, and marine structures, it is a concern that knows no boundaries. The economic repercussions of corrosion are staggering. It is estimated to cost trillions of dollars annually worldwide (Jia et al., 2023; Solomon & Umoren, 2016; Tong et al., 2018). These costs encompass not only the expenses incurred in repairing and maintaining corroded assets but also the indirect costs associated with production downtime and the curtailed lifespan of essential equipment. The financial burden of corrosion has far-reaching consequences for both the public and private sectors. Safety concerns are paramount when addressing the challenge of corrosion. The structural integrity of crucial components can be compromised as corrosion erodes their material composition. This poses a significant safety hazard, especially in industries where human lives depend on the reliability of these structures. For instance, in the aerospace industry, the corrosion of aircraft components can lead to catastrophic safety risks if not effectively managed. Moreover, corrosion has an environmental impact. As materials corrode, they often release hazardous substances into the surrounding environment. For instance, in the oil and gas industry, the corrosion of pipelines can result in leaks, causing environmental harm and potential health risks. This environmental aspect adds another layer of complexity to the corrosion challenge, highlighting the importance of seeking innovative, sustainable solutions.
Conventional corrosion protection methods have been developed and employed for decades to combat the detrimental effects of corrosion. However, it is essential to recognize their inherent limitations. Traditional protective coatings, while widely used, are not without their drawbacks. Over time, these coatings can deteriorate due to factors such as wear and tear, exposure to UV radiation, or chemical attack. This necessitates periodic maintenance and reapplication of coatings, which can be both costly and logistically challenging for industries that rely on long-term corrosion protection. Sacrificial anodes represent another approach to corrosion protection, where materials that corrode more readily than the protected metal are employed (Dehghani-Firouzabadi & Motevaseliyan, 2014; Stefaniu et al., 2020). While effective, these anodes require regular replacement, contributing to ongoing maintenance expenses. Additionally, the selection and management of sacrificial anodes must be carefully considered to ensure their efficacy. Cathodic protection systems, which use electrical currents to shield metals from corrosion, have demonstrated effectiveness in many applications. However, these systems demand intricate design, installation, and continuous maintenance. The complexity associated with cathodic protection can present challenges for some industries, both in terms of implementation and maintenance costs(Huang et al., 2023). Furthermore, many conventional corrosion protection methods lack the flexibility and adaptability required to meet the evolving demands of modern industries. As new materials and components are introduced into more demanding environments or subjected to increased stress, the need for advanced and versatile corrosion protection techniques becomes increasingly evident.