Choice Review

This latest addition to the publisher series "Corrosion and Its Prevention" is a practical guide for engineers. The book is a translation of contributions from 17 French experts from the AGHTM (General Association of Municipal and Sanitary Engineers) presented in 41 chapters. Part 1 presents a survey of electrochemistry and corrosion principles; Parts 2 and 3 deal with water chemistry and its effects on corrosion, and distinguishes "natural" treated waters used in municipal distribution systems from the water chemistry associated with private systems, including closed-loop heating systems. Problems associated with metallic, cement, and plastic piping are considered. Use is made of graphical representation of equilibria between calcium ions, pH, and carbonic components to facilitate discussion of water control strategies. Parts 4 and 5 cover corrosion of ferrous metals in soils and degradation of cement materials. Part 6 treats protective coatings, and Part 7, cathodic protection. The treatment is of mixed quality and detail but may be useful to the nonspecialist confronting these problems. Graduate; pre-professional; professional. B. D. Lichter; Vanderbilt University