Leakage (chemistry)

In chemistry, leakage is a process in which material is gradually lost, intentionally or accidentally, through the holes or defects of their containers. The material lost is usually fluid, liquid or powder and sometimes gas, from an imperfectly sealed container. Often, leakage can be disastrous if the leaked material is harmful or corrosive.

A zinc-carbon battery is an example of an easy-leaking system. The electrolytes inside the cell sometimes leak out of the cell casing and cause damage to an electronic appliance.