Now that we are familiar with the structures of single chain macromolecules, we are in a position to look at some of the interactions of macromolecules with other macromolecules and with smaller molecules.
Corrosion on exposed metal. Corrosion is a natural process, which converts a refined metal to a more stable form, such as its oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide. It is the gradual destruction of materials (usually metals) by chemical and/or electrochemical reaction with their environment.
Corrosion fatigue (CF) is defined as the sequential stages of metal damage that evolve with accumulated load cycling, in an aggressive environment compared to inert or benign surroundings, and resulting from the interaction of irreversible cyclic plastic deformation with localized chemical or electrochemical reactions.