CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION:
Corrosion is one of the gigantic phenomena that happen worldwide. Billions of dollars
from the United States economy are being wasted due to this. One question is airing from the
researchers mind is, what more if we are going to estimate the cost of metallic corrosion
worldwide? It could have been a greater damage. As an aid to this, the researchers tend to find
a solution that paves way to this evolving problem.
Corrosion is a term usually applied to the deterioration of metals by an electrochemical
process (Chang, R., 2010). Rusting of iron is one of the best examples of this. This occurs when
there is an electrochemical reaction between metals and their environment. Also, this occurs
due to the existence of corrosion causing agents. There are several corrosion causing agents or
corrodents such as foot, sulphate salts, chloride ions, temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved
gases, humidity, bacteria, sand, gravels, stones, mechanical stresses and also several protection
methods employed for corrosion resistance such as the application of alloys, composites,
inhibitors, cathodic and anodic protection, protective linings and coatings (Bierwagen, 1996;
Ghali et al., 2007; Raja & Sethuram, 2008; Sorensen, et al., 2009). But it is oxygen and water
that merely comprises iron rust. Meaning, there should be a presence of oxygen and hydrogen
to allow rusting to take place. In addition, rusting happens in anode and cathode. In anode, the
oxidation often occurs while in cathode, the electrons are transferred to reduce the oxygen to
water.
Indeed, rusting is one of the reasons of metal damage. In order to prevent this, anti-
corrosive materials shall be used. Here in this study, the researchers opt to test chitosan as the
anti-corrosive material.

Background of the Study:
Corrosion contributes to the enormous damage on many industrial areas. Many
buildings, infrastructures, transportations, and bridges are being deteriorated because of this.
As an implication, this is a serious matter that needs to be solved as immediate as possible.
Prior researches have been already made nowadays. Hence, the researchers still wanted to
investigate on this particular dilemma. Through the use of mollusks, namely oyster and mussel,
the researchers intend to supply a solution for this. Also, the researchers will be using chitin
from these mollusks that will be converted to chitosan through several chemical processes. This
chitosan will be used as an anti-corrosive material that would possibly prevent metal rust.
Statement of the Problem:

Significance of the Study:
This study which aims to compare the anti-corrosive property of mollusks will be
beneficial to the following fields:
To the Industry. This study will provide a great help
Scope and Limitations:
This study will be focusing on comparing the anti-corrosive property of chitosan in
mollusks for preventing metal rust. Not all types of mollusks will be used; this study is mainly on
using oyster and mussel as source of chitin. Also, the researchers will be using the exoskeleton
of the oysters and mussels and not the whole part of them to synthesize the chitosan from
chitin.
Concerning to the experiment, this study will just be using tap water. However, sea
water will be disregarded.
The researchers will be asking help and supervision of the people who are more skilled
in this field of study.
Furthermore, the researchers will get the samples oysters and mussels on the vicinity of
Sangli Point, Cavite City. The study will also be conducted in the Philippine Normal University,
mainly on the Chemical Laboratory of the university. On the other hand, the tests that cannot
be done inside the university will be brought to other laboratories that perform the specified
test needed.

Definition of Terms: