2026-04-24 |
Corrosion causes billions of euros worth of damage worldwide every year and poses major challenges for industry, infrastructure and the energy sector. To mark World Corrosion Awareness Day (WCAD) 2026 on 24 April 2026, the DECHEMA Research Institute (DFI) is highlighting the vital importance of corrosion research and prevention.
As one of the leading institutions in this field, the DFI carries out around 90 research projects annually in close collaboration with various industrial partners from the chemical, energy and mobility sectors. The aim is to develop innovative solutions for corrosion prevention and to enhance the safety, sustainability and cost-effectiveness of technical systems
“Corrosion is an often underestimated risk with significant economic and safety-related consequences,” explains Mathias Galetz, Head of the DECHEMA Research Institute and the “Materials and Corrosion” department. “Through our long-standing, cross-industry research, we make an important contribution to making materials more durable, conserving resources and making industrial processes safer and more efficient.”
The Institute’s work as part of the DECHEMA Corrosion Center includes, amongst other things, the development of new materials, the use of modern analytical methods, and research into corrosion mechanisms under realistic operating conditions. The issue of corrosion is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the context of new energy converters, such as hydrogen technologies, renewable energy systems and fusion technologies.
In addition, practical knowledge on corrosion protection is systematically imparted as part of the continuing professional development programme (German-language courses). This year, the DFI is offering the online seminar Werkstoffauswahl im chemischen Anlagen- und Apparatebau (7 May) and the experimental course Korrosion der Metalle – Mechanismen und Methoden (27–29 September in Bad Homburg). Both events provide an opportunity to specifically supplement, deepen and expand technical expertise in this field.
World Corrosion Awareness Day (WCAD) was launched in 2010 by the World Corrosion Organisation (WCO), which aims to promote education and best practice in the field of corrosion control for the socio-economic benefit of society, resource conservation and environmental protection. These are goals that the DFI has also set itself in order to raise awareness of the relevance of the topic and to promote exchange between science, industry and the public.
Picture: © kerkezz/AdobeStock, Siemens AG, vadimalekcandr/AdobeStock, aapsky/AdobeStock
