One of the key reasons to understand materials' corrosion is to:

Understanding materials' corrosion is crucial for extending the lifecycle and safety of infrastructures. Corrosion can lead to significant degradation of materials over time, resulting in structural failures, costly repairs, and potential safety hazards. By gaining insights into how different materials react to their environments—such as moisture, chemicals, and temperature variations—engineers and materials scientists can make informed decisions about material selection, protective coatings, and maintenance strategies. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of infrastructure but also ensures that safety standards are upheld, preventing accidents and ensuring reliability in critical systems. Focusing on maximizing profit or limiting advancements in material science does not address the fundamental need to maintain safety and functionality in infrastructure. Similarly, while reducing the weight of materials can enhance performance in certain applications, the primary concern with corrosion is its impact on longevity and safety.