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Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion of Metallic and Non-metallic Materials: Mechanisms and Protection

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Corrosion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2025 | Viewed by 8783

Special Issue Editors


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Co-Guest Editor
College of Environment & Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
Interests: biofouling; antifouling; functional materials; coatings; waste and biomass valorization

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
Interests: marine corrosion; sulfate-reducing bacteria; microbiologically influenced corrosion; steel corrosion; biocides; petroleum

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Corrosion is a natural and ubiquitous process that causes the degradation of metallic and non-metallic materials by chemical, physical, and biological reactions in various environments such as soil, marine, atmospheric, and extreme man-made environments. Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) refers to the direct or indirect corrosion caused by microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and microalgae. It primarily concerns metallic materials such as steel, copper, aluminum, etc. In addition to metallic corrosion, the degradation and deterioration process of non-metallic materials, including concrete, ceramics, polymers, and composites, can also be caused by microorganisms. This issue affects the economic impacts of almost every industry, from infrastructure to energy and healthcare.

The MIC process is considered complex and complicated to understand. If the basic principles involved in the process are understood, it will be easier to develop effective ways to control corrosion. Based on fundamental studies, it is estimated that about 25%–40% of corrosion cost can be reduced if advanced techniques and management strategies for material protection are used. To provide an overview of recent novel views on fundamental and practical research on MIC, this Special Issue forms a collection of ongoing research in MIC of metallic and non-metallic materials. Contributions are solicited from researchers advancing the current understanding of corrosion mechanisms and techniques for material protection.

Prof. Dr. Ruiyong Zhang
Dr. Chao Liu
Dr. Yimeng Zhang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • metallic corrosion
  • non-metallic corrosion
  • microbiologically corrosion
  • coatings
  • corrosion protection
  • surface treatments
  • biodegradation and biodeterioration
  • corrosive environments

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4733 KiB  
Article
Distinguishing the Contribution of Extracellular Electron Transfer in the Desulfovibrio caledoniensis-Induced Total Corrosion of Q235 Carbon Steel
by Keliang Fan, Fang Guan, Xiaofan Zhai, Guanhua Jiao, Yugang Sang, Min Jing and Jizhou Duan
Materials 2025, 18(7), 1613; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18071613 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 307
Abstract
Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) in anaerobic environments accounts for many severe failures and losses in different industries. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) represent a typical class of corrosive microorganisms capable of acquiring electrons from steel through extracellular electron transfer processes, thereby inducing severe electrical microbially [...] Read more.
Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) in anaerobic environments accounts for many severe failures and losses in different industries. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) represent a typical class of corrosive microorganisms capable of acquiring electrons from steel through extracellular electron transfer processes, thereby inducing severe electrical microbially influenced corrosion (EMIC). Although prior research has underscored the significance of extracellular electron transfer, the contribution of EMIC to the whole MIC has not been comprehensively studied. In this study, Q235 steel coupons were employed in an H-shaped electrochemical cell to conduct electrochemical and coupon immersion experiments, aiming to determine the contribution of EMIC to the overall MIC. The experiments were conducted under two distinct carbon source conditions: 100% carbon source (CS) and 1% CS environments. It was observed that the biotic electrodes exhibited significantly higher cathodic currents, with the most pronounced biological cathodic activity detected in the 100% CS biotic medium. The voltammetric responses of the electrodes before and after changes in the medium confirmed the biocatalytic capability of the attached biofilm in stimulating the cathodic reaction. The proportion of EMIC in MIC was calculated using linear polarization resistance, revealing a trend over time. Additionally, weight loss tests indicated that the contribution of EMIC to the total MIC was approximately 27.69%. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that while the overall corrosion rate was lower in the 1% CS environment, the proportion of EMIC in MIC increased to approximately 37.68%. Full article
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15 pages, 4721 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Nitrogen Alloying on the Microstructure and Properties of Cu-Bearing Antimicrobial Stainless Steel
by Yuguo Tu, Wei Peng, Liujie Chen and Xueshan Xiao
Materials 2025, 18(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18010026 - 25 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 590
Abstract
In this study, a novel Cu-bearing 304 stainless steel doped with 4.0 wt.% Cu (304-Cu SS) was developed, and the effects of nitrogen microalloying (304N-Cu SS) and heat treatment on mechanical, antibacterial, and corrosion properties were investigated. It was found that when aging [...] Read more.
In this study, a novel Cu-bearing 304 stainless steel doped with 4.0 wt.% Cu (304-Cu SS) was developed, and the effects of nitrogen microalloying (304N-Cu SS) and heat treatment on mechanical, antibacterial, and corrosion properties were investigated. It was found that when aging at 700 °C, the Vickers hardness and strength of the 304N-Cu SS first significantly increased with increasing aging time up to 4 h and then slowly decreased with further increase in aging time. The best combination of strength and ductility, namely, a yield strength of 319 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 657 MPa, and elongation to fracture of 47.0%, was achieved in the 304N-Cu SS after aging at 700 °C for 6 h. Moreover, the antibacterial and corrosion rates of the newly developed 304N-Cu SS reached 99.67% and 0.0032 g·m−2h−1, surpassing those of 304-Cu SS by 0.38% and 9.4%, respectively. These enhancements in the mechanical, antibacterial, and corrosion properties were attributed to the precipitation of high-density nanoscale Cu-rich precipitates during aging. Our results demonstrate that nitrogen microalloying is an effective metallurgical method for the future development of new antibacterial austenitic stainless steels with simultaneously enhanced mechanical, antibacterial, and corrosion properties for direct drinking water distribution systems. Full article
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14 pages, 10170 KiB  
Article
AgNP Composite Silicone-Based Polymer Self-Healing Antifouling Coatings
by Xingda Liu, Jiawen Sun, Jizhou Duan, Kunyan Sui, Xiaofan Zhai and Xia Zhao
Materials 2024, 17(17), 4289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17174289 - 30 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1157
Abstract
Biofouling poses a significant challenge to the marine industry, and silicone anti-biofouling coatings have garnered extensive attention owing to their environmental friendliness and low surface energy. However, their widespread application is hindered by their low substrate adhesion and weak static antifouling capabilities. In [...] Read more.
Biofouling poses a significant challenge to the marine industry, and silicone anti-biofouling coatings have garnered extensive attention owing to their environmental friendliness and low surface energy. However, their widespread application is hindered by their low substrate adhesion and weak static antifouling capabilities. In this study, a novel silicone polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based poly(urea-thiourea-imine) (PDMS-PUTI) was synthesized via stepwise reactions of aminopropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (APT-PDMS) with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), isophthalaldehyde (IPAL), and carbon disulfide (CS2). Subsequently, a nanocomposite coating (AgNPs-x/PDMS-PUTI) was prepared by adding silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to the polymer PDMS-PUTI. The dynamic multiple hydrogen bonds formed between urea and thiourea linkages, along with dynamic imine bonds in the polymer network, endowed the coating with outstanding self-healing properties, enabling complete scratch healing within 10 min at room temperature. Moreover, uniformly dispersed AgNPs not only reduced the surface energy of the coating but also significantly enhanced its antifouling performance. The antibacterial efficiency against common marine bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.sp) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.sp) was reduced by 97.08% and 96.71%, respectively, whilst the diatom settlement density on the coating surface was as low as approximately 59 ± 3 diatom cells/mm2. This study presents a novel approach to developing high-performance silicone antifouling coatings. Full article
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18 pages, 11436 KiB  
Article
How Often Should Microbial Contamination Be Detected in Aircraft Fuel Systems? An Experimental Test of Aluminum Alloy Corrosion Induced by Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria
by Bochao Lu, Yimeng Zhang, Ding Guo, Yan Li, Ruiyong Zhang, Ning Cui and Jizhou Duan
Materials 2024, 17(14), 3523; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143523 - 16 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1325
Abstract
Microbial contamination in aircraft fuel-containing systems poses significant threats to flight safety and operational integrity as a result of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Regular monitoring for microbial contamination in these fuel systems is essential for mitigating MIC risks. However, the frequency of monitoring [...] Read more.
Microbial contamination in aircraft fuel-containing systems poses significant threats to flight safety and operational integrity as a result of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Regular monitoring for microbial contamination in these fuel systems is essential for mitigating MIC risks. However, the frequency of monitoring remains a challenge due to the complex environmental conditions encountered in fuel systems. To investigate the impact of environmental variables such as water content, oxygen levels, and temperature on the MIC of aluminum alloy in aircraft fuel systems, orthogonal experiments with various combinations of these variables were conducted in the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Among these variables, water content in the fuel oil demonstrated the most substantial influence on the corrosion rate of aluminum alloys, surpassing the effects of oxygen and temperature. Notably, the corrosion rate of aluminum alloys was the highest in an environment characterized by a 1:1 water/oil ratio, 0% oxygen, and a temperature of 35 °C. Within this challenging environment, conducive to accelerated corrosion, changes in the corrosion behavior of aluminum alloys over time were analyzed to identify the time point at which MIC intensified. Observations revealed a marked increase in the depth and width of corrosion pits, as well as in the corrosion weight-loss rate, starting from the 7th day. These findings offer valuable insights for determining the optimal frequency of microbial contamination detection in aircraft fuel systems. Full article
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Review

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21 pages, 6182 KiB  
Review
Advances in the Mitigation of Microbiologically Influenced Concrete Corrosion: A Snapshot
by Husnu Gerengi, Ertugrul Kaya, Moses M. Solomon, Matthew Snape and Andrea Koerdt
Materials 2024, 17(23), 5846; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235846 - 28 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1243
Abstract
Concrete, a versatile construction material, faces pervasive deterioration due to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in various applications, including sewer systems, marine engineering, and buildings. MIC is initiated by microbial activities such as involving sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), etc., producing corrosive substances [...] Read more.
Concrete, a versatile construction material, faces pervasive deterioration due to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in various applications, including sewer systems, marine engineering, and buildings. MIC is initiated by microbial activities such as involving sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), etc., producing corrosive substances like sulfuric acid. This process significantly impacts structures, causing economic losses and environmental concerns. Despite over a century of research, MIC remains a debated issue, lacking standardized assessment methods. Microorganisms contribute to concrete degradation through physical and chemical means. In the oil and gas industry, SRB and SOB activities may adversely affect concrete in offshore platforms. MIC challenges also arise in cooling water systems and civil infrastructures, impacting concrete surfaces. Sewer systems experience biogenic corrosion, primarily driven by SRB activities, leading to concrete deterioration. Mitigation traditionally involves the use of biocides and surface coatings, but their long-term effectiveness and environmental impact are questionable. Nowadays, it is important to design more eco-friendly mitigation products. The microbial-influenced carbonate precipitation is one of the green techniques and involves incorporating beneficial bacteria with antibacterial activity into cementitious materials to prevent the growth and the formation of a community that contains species that are pathogenic or may be responsible for MIC. These innovative strategies present promising avenues for addressing MIC challenges and preserving the integrity of concrete structures. This review provides a snapshot of the MIC in various areas and mitigation measures, excluding underlying mechanisms and broader influencing factors. Full article
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20 pages, 4301 KiB  
Review
The Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion and Protection of Pipelines: A Detailed Review
by Xueqing Lv, Can Wang, Jia Liu, Wolfgang Sand, Ini-Ibehe Nabuk Etim, Yimeng Zhang, Ailing Xu, Jizhou Duan and Ruiyong Zhang
Materials 2024, 17(20), 4996; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17204996 - 12 Oct 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3425
Abstract
Microbial corrosion is the deterioration of materials associated with microorganisms in environments, especially in oil- and gas-dominated sectors. It has been widely reported to cause great losses to industrial facilities such as drainage systems, sewage structures, food-processing equipment, and oil and gas facilities. [...] Read more.
Microbial corrosion is the deterioration of materials associated with microorganisms in environments, especially in oil- and gas-dominated sectors. It has been widely reported to cause great losses to industrial facilities such as drainage systems, sewage structures, food-processing equipment, and oil and gas facilities. Generally, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms are the most important microorganisms associated with microbial corrosion. The destructive nature of these microorganisms differs based on the kind of bacteria involved in the corrosion mechanism. Amongst the microorganisms related to microbial corrosion, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is reported to be the most common harmful bacteria. The detailed mechanistic explanations relating to the corrosion of pipelines by sulfate-reducing bacteria are discussed. The mechanism of microbial corrosion in pipelines showing the formation of pitting corrosion and cathodic depolarization is also reported. The current review provides theoretical information for the control and protection of pipelines caused by microbial corrosion and how new eco-friendly protection methods could be explored. Full article
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