ABSTRACT
Probably the most important property that is affected by corrosion is that of mechanical strength. Other properties are also affected by corrosion; however, they generally do not lead to failure, as is often the case with changes in strength. Strength loss is not the only mechanical effect of corrosion, since there are also many cases where the effects of corrosion lead to increased strength. Increases in strength due to corrosion are the result of healing of cracks and flaws in the surface layers of a specimen due, quite often, to the diffusion of impurities from the bulk to the surface. This change in chemistry at the surface may lead to the formation of a compressive layer on the surface due to differential thermal expansion between the surface layer and the bulk. Compressive surface layers may also form due to surface alteration layers having a larger specific volume than the bulk.
