Grey cast iron metal strips were allowed to rust in varying compositions of soil-water media under the controlled environment. The process of corrosion was monitored by non-electrochemical method. Assessment of the extent of corrosion was carried out, both visually and by the method of weight loss coupons. It was found that a 80:20 weight:volume percent (w/v%) composition caused the most severe case of corrosion over a period of seven days. It was also observed that the corrosion in cast iron obeyed the relation, D = ktn [10]. The value of 'n' increased as corrosion became more severe. Gravimetric analysis and evidence from the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) proved that gamma-FeOOH was one of the intermediates of corrosion in grey cast iron in soil-water media. An attempt has also been made to propose a mechanism for the corrosion in cast iron strips in soil-water media. It was found to be consistent with the one proposed by McEnaney and Smith [11].

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Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) enhance the mechanical and tribological properties according to the composition of the particulate reinforcement of Silicon Carbide (SiC) or Boron Carbide (B4C) and AA5052 aluminum alloy matrix. The MMC samples were fabricated by stir casting method of the liquid processing route. The same weight percentages (5 wt. %) and same particle size (63μm) of both SiC and B4C particulates are used to develop two different MMC samples. The hardness and corrosion tests were conducted to estimate the enhanced properties of the fabricated composites. The macro-hardness test and the immersion corrosion test were carried out by using a Vickers hardness tester at an applied load of 5kgf in accordance with ASTM E92 and a 3.5% NaCl solution in accordance with ASTM G31, respectively. With the help of optical microscopy, the corroded surfaces were analyzed. The results obtained from the investigation show that AA5052/B4C MMC gives better hardness and AA5052/SiC MMC shows higher corrosion rate compared to the other two samples.