CORROSION
The Problem: Corrosive Degradation Across Industrial Processes
The causes of corrosion in industry are varied, multifaceted, and difficult to combat. Corrosive degradation occurs when: handling aggressive chemicals and molten metals; due to thermal cycling; and more. Traditional materials—such as stainless steel, Inconel, and alumina—struggle to maintain integrity when exposed to acidic or alkaline media, high-temperature oxidants, and reactive molten alloys.
Key causes of corrosion include:
- Chemical attack by hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide
- Degradation from corrosive metals like molten aluminum, zinc, and copper alloys at elevated temperatures
- Accelerated oxidation in chlorine-rich gas environments
- Combined erosion-corrosion effects from abrasive slurries with chemical aggressors
These conditions result in rapid material loss, contamination, and frequent replacement—raising maintenance costs and compromising process reliability.
International Syalons offers corrosion-resistant ceramic alloys designed to withstand the most aggressive industrial environments. These materials deliver exceptional chemical resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical performance in high-risk corrosion settings.
- Non-wetting in molten aluminum
- Stable in chlorine gas up to 1000°C
- Superior hardness for abrasive-corrosive conditions
Why It Works
Sialon ceramics are built from a silicon nitride base, modified with aluminum and oxygen to form elongated β-SiAlON grains and dense intergranular bonding. This microstructure:
- Prevents corrosive penetration even under high temperature
- Forms a protective silica layer during oxidation, reducing degradation
- Maintains strength in chemical and thermal shock cycles
- Eliminates molten metal wetting, especially with aluminum and zinc
These attributes allow sialon components to outperform both metallic and conventional ceramic alternatives in environments where chemical resistance is critical.

- Custom prototyping to validate materials under actual process conditions
- Application-specific material selection for acids, molten metals, or gas-phase oxidants
- Design consultation for sealing systems, impellers, liners, and process tubes
Talk to our technical team to explore materials optimized for your corrosive environment.

Sialon and zirconia provide the high temperature strength and non-wetting properties necessary for metal casting, extruding, and welding.

Technical ceramics are characterised by excellent mechanical strength and hardness, and are widely used in extreme wear applications.

Silicon nitride offers excellent corrosion and thermal resistance and are ideal materials for use in the chemical and process industries.
