Internal oxidation

Internal oxidation, in corrosion of metals, is the process of formation of corrosion products (e.g. a metal oxide) within the metal bulk. In other words, the corrosion products are created away from the metal surface, and they are isolated from the surface.^[1]

Internal oxidation occurs when some components of the alloy are oxidized in preference to the balance of the bulk.^{[clarification needed]} The oxidizer is often oxygen diffusing through the metal bulk from the interface, but it can be also another element (for example sulfur or nitrogen).

Internal oxidation is a well-known corrosion mechanism of nickel-based alloys in the temperature range of 500 to 1200 °C.^[2]

Internal oxidation is distinct from selective leaching.