Contents of Materials Performance - APR 2012

Materials Performance is the world's most widely circulated magazine dedicated to corrosion prevention and control. MP provides information about the latest corrosion control technologies and practical applications for every industry and environment.

Page 54 of 76

Corrosion in
Analysis ofT
Steel Cans in the Seafood Industry on the Gulf of California
Ingenieria, Minerales y Corrosion, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Mexico
GUSTAVO LOPEZ BADILLA, Plantel Oriente, Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico BENJAMIN VALDEZ SALAS AND MICHAEL SCHORR WIENER, Instituto de
Te steel used in sardine and tuna cans is corroded by atmospheric pollutants in warehouses and during manufacture. Te main air pollutants are Cl–
, SOX
, and hydroxides. An analysis was conducted to identify the aggressive agents that react with the steel can surfaces, using scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy techniques.
NOX 52 MATERIALS PERFORMANCE April 2012 ,
he wide use of steel packaging in the food industry has been suc- cessful in keeping food in good condition, and has advantages
over other materials such as glass, ceram- ics, iron, and tin.1
In harsh environments,
however, steel corrodes. Aluminum is also used because of its resistance to cor- rosion, but has become more expensive.2 Table 1 shows the characteristics of metal cans compared to plastic, indicat- ing greater advantages for steel cans. In coastal areas, where some food compa- nies operate, three types of steel deterio- ration can occur from atmospheric corrosion.3
Corrosive Conditions
Sardine and Tuna Food Properties
source of omega-3, helping to lower cho- lesterol and triglycerides and increase JTWWL ÆW_ LMKZMI[QVO \PM ZQ[S WN I\PMZW- sclerosis and thrombosis. It is widely consumed in Mexico. Tuna is an excel- lent food with high protein, vitamins, and minerals. Minerals include phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium, and sodium. Tuna contains vitamins A, D, B, B3, and B12, and fats rich in omega-3. Tuna is ideal for people who suffer from cardio- vascular disease.4
Climatic Factors When it comes to damage of steel
cans, relative humidity (RH) and tem- perature are prevailing factors. Drastic changes in the humidity and temperature during certain times of the year, as dis- cussed in ISO 9223,5
compound the
problem. Companies and health institu- tion personnel in Mexico are concerned about the quality of seafood contained in steel cans in certain times of the year because of atmospheric corrosion of the containers.6-7
NACE International, Vol. 51, No. 4