EVERYDAY MATERIALSAtlas
Material behaviour

Corrosion resistance

Control reactions with the surroundings.

What it means

Corrosion changes a material through chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. An oxide film can slow further reaction, as on aluminium and stainless steel, but protection depends on conditions. Salt, acids, crevices and contact between different metals can change behaviour. “Resistant” does not mean immune.

Look for it in everyday life.

Stainless steel uses a chromium-rich passive surface film; coated steel relies on a different strategy.

Meet it in a material.

Stainless steel

A protective surface that renews itself.

Metals

Zinc

A layer that protects another metal.

Metals

Nickel

A small addition can change the whole material.

Metals

Tin

A thin coating or a tiny electrical joint.

Metals

Gold

A precious surface for a reliable contact.

Metals

Borosilicate glass

Glass designed to move less with heat.

Glass & ceramics

Titanium

Strength and corrosion resistance without steel’s density.

Metals

HDPE

A tougher bottle from more orderly chains.

Polymers

Polypropylene

A moulded hinge that bends again and again.

Polymers

PTFE

A low-friction surface with specific limits.

Polymers

Brass

Copper and zinc, tuned for a useful shape.

Metals

Bronze

An alloy name with several branches.

Metals

EPDM rubber

A flexible seal for weather and water.

Polymers

Nichrome

A wire whose resistance is the point.

Metals

Follow the evidence

Original explanations informed by the sources below. Technical and industry sources support material behaviour; industry environmental marketing is not treated as a universal comparison. Read our editorial method.