CorrBench 2026
Fight corrosion with us!
For us, not only research but also action matters. CorrBench is an initiative where theory meets practice. For the second time (see last year’s recap → below), as part of the CorrDay(s) event, we are taking on the renovation of a bench located next to the Corrosion Testing Laboratory. This has already become our small tradition—restoring durability to objects that are exposed every day to time and weather conditions.
This year, however, CorrBench gains a completely new dimension. For the first time, you can leave a lasting mark of your own.
During the renovation, a metal plaque with a quote will be mounted on the bench. What quote? That depends on you. We invite you to take part in the competition “Golden Thoughts That Do Not Corrode”—submit your proposal for a quote related to corrosion, durability, time, or materials protection (only for Polish contestants, sorry...).
Perhaps it will be your words that remain on the bench for years—read by students, staff, and passers‑by. The competition is open to everyone.
Do you have a thought that doesn’t corrode? Share it with us and become part of the CorrBench story.
We did it again!
Corrosion is a topic one could talk about for hours - during lectures, in laboratories, or in industry discussions. Once again, however, we decided to show it in practice. On the occasion of CorrDay 2026, we took matters into our own hands once more, carrying out another edition of our CorrBench initiative.
Last year’s project was met with a very positive response (as evidenced by numerous student and PhD meetings held there), so this year we decided to take it a step further. Not only did we renovate another bench located within the space of the Faculty of Chemistry of the Silesian University of Technology, but we also gave it a new, symbolic dimension.
This time, the wooden elements of the bench were repainted in different colors, creating a rainbow‑colored seat and backrest - a symbol of diversity, community, and energy accompanying the CorrDay celebrations. At the same time, the project gained an important technological and partnership dimension.
The implementation of CorrBench 2026 was supported by two companies based in Ruda Śląska:
- Dega‑Plus, thanks to which the steel frame of the old bench was professionally cleaned of paint residues and rust using sandblasting,
- Ocynkownia Pokój, where the prepared structure received a durable zinc coating (galvanization), significantly increasing its resistance to corrosion and weather conditions.
The combination of classic anticorrosion protection methods with a bold color accent made the bench not only a functional element of the space, but also a clear symbol of CorrDay 2026.
CorrBench once again demonstrates that we do not only talk about corrosion—we actively counteract it by engaging the academic community, industry, and the local environment.
We invite you to watch short reels documenting the project’s realization on Instagram:
- disassembly, sandblasting (Dega‑Plus), and galvanization (Ocynkownia Pokój) [link]
- painting and assembly [link]
We also have a photo gallery (photos by A. Kołkowska) documenting the bench’s transformation.
New Bench - New Motto
On the occasion of the celebration of World Corrosion Awareness Day (24 April 2026), we have the honor of announcing the results of our competition “Golden Thoughts That Do Not Corrode.” From now on, our corrosion bench — to which we have given a second youth — is adorned with a golden thought authored by Anna Byczek‑Wyrostek. English translation is "Have a seat". The engraving on the plaque was made possible thanks to the partnership with Altron, specializing in laser cutting and CNC milling. An Instagram reel celebrating the occasion is available here.
Below you can see how we carried out this project in previous years…
CorrBench 2025
Our Fight Against Corrosion!
Corrosion is talked about everywhere — in lecture halls, laboratories, and even in everyday conversations. But where should we actually look for it? On the occasion of CorrDays 2025, we decided not only to organize activities and competitions for you, but also to take matters into our own hands.
This is how the CorrBench project was born — our own initiative aimed at encouraging action and drawing attention to the problem of corrosion that each of us has encountered at least once. As part of this effort, we renovated one of the benches located beneath the Faculty of Chemistry of the Silesian University of Technology.
What did we do?
- we replaced and properly protected the wooden seat and backrest,
- we cleaned and painted the metal frame with anticorrosion paint,
- we cleaned the area around the bench,
- we trimmed dry branches of nearby trees and shrubs,
- we also planted a new magnolia tree, which we named Zuzia (or Susie in English)
Thanks to these actions, the bench was given a new life, and its surroundings became more pleasant and aesthetically pleasing.
With us, there’s never a dull moment! Check out a short Instagram reel from the event [link] and the photo gallery (photos by: A. Kołkowska).
