CorroZone Podcast · 16 Jun 2026
Paints Part 2: Failure Mechanisms
- Free
- Lecture
- Beginner
- ~39 min
How coatings fail: water and ion transport through the film to the substrate, anodic undermining versus cathodic disbondment, osmotic and corrosion-driven blistering and how to tell them apart, the mechanical failure modes, UV degradation and chalking, surface-prep defects as initiation sites, and the inspection and maintenance programme.
Show notes
What you'll learn
- Describe the mechanisms by which water and ions transport through organic coating films and explain the consequences of their arrival at the metal substrate
- Distinguish between anodic undermining and cathodic disbondment as delamination mechanisms, including the role of cathodic protection in disbondment
- Explain osmotic and corrosion-driven blistering mechanisms and identify diagnostic indicators that differentiate them
- Identify the main mechanical failure modes of coatings (cracking, impact, abrasion, erosion) and the conditions that promote each
- Explain UV degradation of organic coatings, including chalking, gloss loss, and embrittlement, and state why aromatic binders are UV-sensitive
- Analyse how surface preparation defects act as failure initiation sites for multiple failure mechanisms
- Describe the main components of a coating inspection and maintenance programme, including visual grading, DFT, holiday detection, and adhesion testing
Who this is for
Anyone beginning their study of corrosion — students, engineers, and technical staff who want a solid foundation in why metals corrode and what can be done about it. No prior background assumed.
What you'll learn
- Describe the mechanisms by which water and ions transport through organic coating films and explain the consequences of their arrival at the metal substrate
- Distinguish between anodic undermining and cathodic disbondment as delamination mechanisms, including the role of cathodic protection in disbondment
- Explain osmotic and corrosion-driven blistering mechanisms and identify diagnostic indicators that differentiate them
- Identify the main mechanical failure modes of coatings (cracking, impact, abrasion, erosion) and the conditions that promote each
- Explain UV degradation of organic coatings, including chalking, gloss loss, and embrittlement, and state why aromatic binders are UV-sensitive
- Analyse how surface preparation defects act as failure initiation sites for multiple failure mechanisms
- Describe the main components of a coating inspection and maintenance programme, including visual grading, DFT, holiday detection, and adhesion testing