What term describes the decay of a material caused by a chemical or electrochemical reaction with elements in the environment?

The term "corrosion" specifically refers to the gradual decay or deterioration of materials, particularly metals, as a result of chemical or electrochemical reactions with their environment. This process can be influenced by factors such as moisture, temperature, and the presence of salts or acids. Corrosion alters the structure of the material, often leading to a significant loss of strength and integrity, which is a critical consideration in aerospace applications where reliability and safety are paramount.

In contrast, oxidation typically relates to the reaction of a substance with oxygen, which is a specific type of corrosion but does not encompass all forms of material decay. Decomposition generally applies to the breakdown of organic materials or compounds, while rusting is a specific form of corrosion that occurs in iron and its alloys, primarily when they are exposed to moisture and oxygen. Thus, corrosion is the most encompassing term that describes these types of material deterioration due to environmental reactions.