Research hotspots and future trends of hot corrosion research: a bibliometric analysis

Hot corrosion has attracted researchers due to its complexity of mechanisms leading to a critical challenge for energy efficiency advancement. Literature on hot corrosion spans a wide range of discussions in materials, including metals or non-metals and operating environmental conditions. Hence it was difficult to overshadow the current status and future trends of hot corrosion research. Here we pioneered a bibliometric analysis to identify the research hotspot and possible anticipated future direction of the hot corrosion study. The results showed that at least six research hotspots can be derived after carefully classifying hot corrosion research literature based on their discussion and key findings. Some hotspots were inactive in recent years and brought complications in research direction prediction. Nevertheless, several future trends of hot corrosion research are suggested. This study provides beneficial ideas in enlightening hot corrosion research development.