Handbook

Degradation of engineering materials via corrosion or oxidation occurs in many applications. This first part of this postgraduate course teaches students the fundamental aspects of corrosion and oxidation, the many mechanisms of how corrosion and oxidation proceed, and how to minimise and control the rate at which these phenomena occur. Students will understand the practical consequences of corrosion and oxidation and the role of materials selection and design in reducing these phenomena to extend the lifespan of engineered components. This part of the course is taught through lectures and a laboratory component. In the second part of the course, the students will explore the characteristics of electric double layers and application of Pourbaix Diagrams to predict and interpret electrochemical behaviour and real corrosion situations. . Finally, students will apply their knowledge of electrode kinetics toelectrocatalysis and in fuel cells use these concepts to understand the mechanisms in energy systems such as batteries and fuel cells.