This year marks a momentous milestone for the corrosion science community—the centenary of the publication of The Corrosion of Metals by Ulick Richardson Evans in 1924. This pioneering work laid the foundation for modern corrosion science, transforming it from a fragmented collection of empirical observations into a rigorous, quantitative discipline. As we celebrate this historic achievement, it is fitting to reflect on Evans’ profound contributions and the enduring impact of his groundbreaking research.
U.R. Evans: A Visionary in Corrosion Science
Ulick Richardson Evans was described in the Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society as the “Father of the modern science of corrosion and protection of metals”. Evans was born in Wimbledon and received his education at Marlborough College (1902–1907) and King’s College, Cambridge (1907–1911), where he pursued the Natural Sciences Tripos, specializing in chemistry in Part II. Following his studies, he began research on electrochemistry in Wiesbaden and London, but his work was interrupted by the outbreak of the First World War.
He served in the army from August 1914 until 1919. After the war, he returned to Cambridge, where he dedicated the remainder of his life to research and prolific writing on the corrosion and oxidation of metals.
His keen intellect, innovative experiments, and commitment to advancing the field quickly earned him international recognition.
Published at a time when the scientific understanding of corrosion was in its infancy, The Corrosion of Metals was revolutionary. It was the first textbook to comprehensively explain the mechanisms of corrosion, with a particular focus on the electrochemical nature of metal deterioration. Evans’ insights provided engineers and scientists with the tools to address real-world corrosion challenges systematically, heralding a new era of research and practical applications.
The Impact of The Corrosion of Metals
Evans’ book was not only an academic milestone but also a practical guide that addressed the pressing needs of industries reliant on metals. Its immediate translation into German, French, and Russian underscored its global importance. The book introduced concepts such as passivity, electrochemical corrosion mechanisms, and methods of protection that remain central to the field today.
Over the next five decades, Evans continued to expand and refine his work, publishing additional seminal texts, including Metallic Corrosion, Passivity, and Protection (1937) and An Introduction to Metallic Corrosion (1948). His ability to elucidate complex scientific principles with clarity and rigor inspired generations of corrosion scientists and engineers.
A Legacy that Lives On
Evans’ contributions extended beyond his publications. He was an influential mentor, guiding researchers from around the world in their pursuit of corrosion science. His work provided the foundation for many of the engineering advancements that now enable us to protect critical infrastructure, transportation systems, and industrial equipment from the damaging effects of corrosion.
His legacy is perpetuated through the U.R. Evans Award, established by the Institute of Corrosion in 1976. This prestigious award, symbolized by an engraved sword, honors outstanding achievements in corrosion science, continuing Evans’ mission to foster collaboration and innovation in the field.
Photo: Professor Nick Birbilis UR Evans Award Presentation on 11th September 2023.
Photo: Engraved Sword.
