1999 F.N. Speller Award Lecture: Extending the Limits of Growth Through Development of Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products

The costs of corrosion have been estimated at ~ 4.2% of the gross domestic product (GDP) or ~ $330 billion in 1997 for the United States. However, when the potential effects on extending resource productivity are taken into account, the benefits of corrosion control are substantially greater. Previous reports have suggested that more efficient utilization of resources is essential to avoiding serious economic collapse in the next century. In preventing corrosion losses, corrosion specialists can extend the Earth’s materials and energy resources, reduce pollution, and improve the quality of life for future generations. Three examples of achieving significant increases in resource productivity through the development and implementation of corrosion-resistant steel products are: (1) galvanized sheet for automobiles, (2) weathering steel for bridges, and (3) 55% Al-Zn alloy-coated steel sheet for metal buildings.