ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the physical forms of the atoms, ions, electrons and the structures in which they exist because they control the course and speed of reactions. Atoms can be arranged in close-packed arrays, open networks or as molecules, forming crystalline solids, non-crystalline solids, liquids or gases, all with their own specialized descriptions. The chapter discusses the various kinds of phases that may be present in a corroding system and applies to metals, environments, corrosion products and protective systems. Corrosion rates are influenced by the electrical conductivity of aqueous solutions and the diffusion of ionic species within them. The structures of water and of aqueous solutions are disturbed in contact with a metal surface. The chapter also discusses various structures of metal oxides include simple cubic structures, rhombohedral-hexagonal structures, rutile structures, spinel structures, and brucite structures. It is concerned with characteristics imparted to metals by manufacturing procedures, and deals with an aspect of structure in its widest sense.
