Corrosion resistant alloy CRA
Corrosion is the gradual destruction of materials (often metals) due to natural processes such as oxidation. It occurs when materials are exposed to the environment and are attacked by liquids or gasses whose actions instigate chemical reactions.
Corrosion resistance is the ease with which materials react to potentially corrosive conditions. Corrosion resistant materials are generally able to withstand deterioration and chemical breakdown.
There are some pure metals (known as corrosion resistant metals) such as gold and platinum that have some natural resistance to corrosion. There are also corrosion resistant alloys (CRAs) created to have corrosion resistance, such as a different types of stainless steel.
An alloy is an impure substance (admixture) comprising a mixture of metals, or a metal to which small additions of other metals and non-metals have been added to give it desired properties. The result is a compound that is likely to be superior in performance to pure metal and may be more economical.
CRAs are particularly important in the gas and oil industries and can be created by combining substances such as chrome, cobalt, iron, nickel, stainless steel, titanium and so on.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.