Corrosion is a complex phenomenon involving metallic alloys and the surrounding environment. The various forms of corrosion suffered by metallic materials in aqueous environments have been extensively studied and codified. In contrast, studies of corrosion at high temperatures involving gaseous environments, liquids like molten salts, and solid deposits are more limited. There is, however, continued need for studies in this area due to their impact on a broad range of industries including those in the aerospace, power generation, chemical process, and petrochemical refining sectors. Some examples of these corrosion phenomena are oxidation in air, corrosion in molten salts, accelerated corrosion under thin molten salt films (hot corrosion), etc. In this talk, I will present and discuss some of the current research in my group in high temperature corrosion of metals. I will also discuss examples from our work on surface modification for elevated temperature corrosion protection. As time permits, I will point out collaborative opportunities that could be of potential interest.
Dr. Vilupanur A. Ravi is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), CA. Dr. Ravi’s current research interests include aqueous and high temperature corrosion, high temperature and ultrahigh temperature materials, and high temperature coatings. He is currently a Navy Distinguished Faculty Fellow. Dr. Ravi is the recipient of several awards and honors including the Willis Whitney Technical Achievement Award from AMPP, NACE Western Area Engineer of the Year Award, and the NACE Technical Achievement Award. He has previously served as a NASA Faculty Fellow and an NRC Summer Faculty Fellow. He is a Fellow of several professional organizations including the National Academy of Inventors, American Association for the Advancement of Science, ASM International and NACE International. He is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in California, a Chartered Engineer (CEng) in the UK and a European Engineer (Eur Ing). Dr. Ravi received his MS and PhD degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. His bachelor’s degrees are in Metallurgy with Distinction from the Indian Institute of Science and in Physics from the University of Madras.