Biocorrosion and biodeterioration of some materials used in electrical engineering

Based on recent bibliographical data, representative actions of microorganisms on materials used in electrical engineering have been analyzed. The analysis undertaken have been revealed that the microorganisms, especially filamentous molds, have an important role in biocorrosion of metallic materials - in their presence the corrosion rate can increase up to 10 times. Biofilm formation on the surface of magnets has as effect the increasing of corrosion rate of approx. 7 times and degradation of magnetic characteristics. Microorganisms, especially filamentous molds have an important role in aging of the underground power cables insulation by initiating degradation of external polymeric jackets. On the other hand the microorganisms have a beneficial contribution in the biodegradation of insulating oils reached in the environment accidentally, in soil remediation and surface water pollution, respectively. It is noted that the biochemical processes of some microorganisms are stimulated by exposing of cultures to 50 ± 0.2Hz electric field, where the biocorrosion and biodeterioration processes are substantially accelerated / amplified.