What process refers to the oxidation of steel?

The process that specifically refers to the oxidation of steel is rust. Rust is a common term used to describe the reddish-brown oxide that forms on iron and its alloys, such as steel, when they are exposed to moisture and oxygen over time. This oxidation process occurs in the presence of water and can be accelerated by environmental factors, such as salt and pollutants. Rusting not only changes the appearance of steel but also compromises its structural integrity, making it a significant concern in engineering and construction.

While corrosion is a broader term that encompasses the deterioration of materials due to various chemical reactions, including oxidation, rust specifically signifies the type of corrosion that affects iron and steel. The term oxidation pertains to a chemical reaction involving the loss of electrons, which occurs in many materials, but when focusing on steel, "rust" conveys the specific result of that reaction in this context. Deformation, on the other hand, refers to the physical alteration of an object's shape without necessarily involving chemical changes.