Study of biocorrosion

The study of biocorrosion aims to analyze the degradation processes of materials caused by microbial activity . This phenomenon, also called microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), results from the action of bacteria, fungi or microalgae on metallic, polymeric or composite surfaces.
These microorganisms can alter the mechanical, chemical or electrochemical properties of materials, causing loss of integrity, leaks or structural failures.

Biocorrosion analysis is essential in sectors where materials are exposed to humid, aqueous or biologically active environments, such as energy, water, environment, infrastructure and packaging .

Analytical methods

The study combines several complementary approaches to identify microbial agents, characterize corrosion mechanisms and measure their intensity:

• Chromatographic analyses (GC-MS, HPLC, LC-MS) to identify degradation products, microbial metabolites and volatile organic compounds associated with corrosion.
• Electrochemical measurements (polarization curve, corrosion potential, electrochemical impedance) to quantify the corrosion rate and material behavior.
• Surface analyses by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or EDS spectroscopy to observe morphology, chemical composition and biofilms present.
• Culture and microbiological identification to characterize the strains involved (sulfate-reducing, iron-oxidizing, acidogenic bacteria, etc.).
• Tests in simulated conditions (immersion, humid atmosphere, saline or acid environments) to reproduce real industrial environments.

For further studies, also see:

• stress corrosion testing ,
• surface analysis by SEM,
• and FTIR infrared spectroscopy to characterize organic films or deposits.

Industrial applications

The study of biocorrosion applies to many sectors where interactions between materials and microorganisms pose economic and technical risks:

• Energy and petroleum industry : control of microbial corrosion in pipelines, tanks and cooling systems.
• Water treatment and distribution : prevention of microbial deposits in pipes, membranes and treatment plants.
• Materials and polymers : evaluation of the biodegradation of plastics and coatings in a humid or biological environment.
• Packaging and storage : verification of the stability of materials in contact with fermentable or biologically active products.
• Environment and civil engineering : monitoring the durability of metals and concrete exposed to corrosive environments.

These studies make it possible to anticipate failures, adapt surface treatments, choose more resistant materials and guarantee compliance with environmental and industrial standards.

Analytical interest and complementarity

The results of the biocorrosion study can be supplemented by:

• a chemical analysis of metals to quantify the elements released by corrosion;
• a TGA thermal analysis to assess the stability of the affected polymers;
• an accelerated aging test to simulate extreme conditions;
• or even total immersion tests to measure the resistance of materials in a liquid environment.

This integrated approach makes it possible to link microbiological phenomena to the physical and chemical properties of materials, providing a complete understanding of degradation mechanisms.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab provides you with a network of laboratories specialized in corrosion, microbiology and surface analysis , accredited ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC .
Our experts support you in the implementation of personalized protocols, adapted to your materials, environments and industrial constraints.

Thanks to our digital platform , you can centralize your requests, track your samples, and view your analysis reports online. Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers in the energy, materials, and environmental sectors with their sustainability and microbiological compatibility studies.

To learn more or get a quote, contact our scientific team today.