Corrosion is defined as what type of deterioration of a material?

Corrosion is primarily defined as an electrochemical deterioration of a material, particularly metals. This process occurs when a metal reacts with its environment, which can include moisture, salt, air, and other chemical agents. The reaction leads to the formation of oxides or other compounds that degrade the integrity and properties of the material over time.

This electrochemical process involves the transfer of electrons and the establishment of an electrochemical cell where anodic (oxidation) and cathodic (reduction) reactions take place. This is distinct from mechanical deterioration, which involves physical forces causing structural damage, physical deterioration that includes changes in the material structure without chemical reaction, and thermal deterioration that pertains to degradation due to high temperatures or thermal cycling. Understanding corrosion as an electrochemical process is vital for implementing effective prevention and mitigation strategies in avionics systems.