NEW TECHNOLOGIES - NEW CORROSION PROBLEMS

Adequate resistance of materials corrosion is equally important for cl assical and for new technologies. This article considers the economic consequences of corrosion damage and, in addition to the long-known GN P orientation, presents a new approach to the estimation of the costs of corrosion and corrosion protection via maintenance and especially c orrosion-related maintenance. The significance of ''high-tech'', ''med ium-tech'' and ''low-tech'' material and corrosion problems is assesse d. Selected examples taken from new technologies in the areas of power engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, and bio technology demonstrate the great significance of the problems. It is c oncluded that corrosion research and corrosion prevention technology w ill never come to an end but will constantly face new problems. Two te chnologies are of particular interest since they focus attention on ne w methods of investigation: microelectronics and final disposal of rad ioactive wastes. The article closes by considering the importance of t he transfer of experience and technology. Since the manufacturs and op erators of machines and plant do not generally have access to the very latest knowledge, they should be kept informed through advisory servi ces, experimental studies, databases, and further education.