Chinese scientists have confirmed that rust and metal erosion caused losses to China in 2014 amounted to 310 million dollars.
Rust is a brownish red substance formed on the surface of iron and steel as a result of corrosion. This rust layer formed by the oxidation of iron atoms on the surface as a result of their interaction with atmospheric air oxygen with moisture.
the scientists said in an interview with npj Materials Degradation : "It is estimated that China annually spends hundreds of millions of dollars on the repair and replacement of metals that are rusted and corroded in many vital facilities ," .
Metal erosion caused China $ 310 million in losses in 2014 alone, or 3.34 percent of the country's GDP.
in 2014 , the government repaired and replaced 28,000 kilometers of railways. Today, the authorities are still in the process of repairing thousands of kilometers of railways, replacing the signs poles on the streets and roads of the country.
The scientists stressed that measures such as the use of rust inhibitors during metal processing, as well as processing of oils and lubricants before use in various fields, will greatly reduce erosion and provide governments billions of dollars annually.