What is one major consequence of thermal aging on materials?

Thermal aging refers to the changes that materials undergo when exposed to elevated temperatures over time, often leading to structural and property modifications. One major consequence of thermal aging is the degradation of corrosion resistance.

During thermal aging, the microstructure of a material can evolve due to changes at the atomic or crystalline levels. This often leads to the precipitation of secondary phases, which can make the material more susceptible to corrosion. The formation of these phases can result in localized weaknesses, leading to increased vulnerability to corrosive environments. Additionally, aging can change the protective oxide layers on metals, which in turn impacts their corrosion resistance.

Understanding this consequence is crucial, especially in applications where materials must maintain their performance over long periods, particularly in high-temperature environments. Recognizing how thermal aging affects corrosion resistance can inform maintenance schedules and material selection in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, and chemical processing.