ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the main alloy groups starting with steel as the most widely used construction material. It describes applications, the typical alloys used, basic properties, and corrosion resistance for the various alloy groups. The book examines galvanic corrosion because, of all the corrosion mechanisms, this is perhaps the easiest to misunderstand and regularly causes significant problems. It argues that few systems or structures are made of single alloys, and their success is ultimately linked to assessing the systems or structure as a whole, as well as the individual components. The book aims to provide readers with a basic understanding of the types of alloy used in seawater. Alloys are mixtures of two or more different metals and many have the capability of improving the properties of the individual constituents.
