WHAT IS RUST CORROSION?
Rust is the product we get when iron goes through the corrosion process.
Iron and steel are not found free in nature. Both are extracted from iron ore in a blast furnace or electro oven. Large amounts of energy are introduced into the iron ore in the extraction process, when this stored up energy is released, the iron has a tendency to corrode back to its natural form "iron oxide" or RUST.
Metals that are found free in nature are stable and are classified as being more noble but even metals found in nature have varying electrical potential Gold has a potential of 1.498 v whereas Antimony has a potential of only 0.152v once we add man made metals and Alloys to this a very basic scale of a metals nobility would look some thing like this.
METALS NOBILITY TABLE
GOLD
TITANIUM
HIGH GRADE STAINLESS STEEL
BRONZE
50/50 LEAD TIN SOLDER
COPPER
LOW GRADE STAINLESS STEEL
STEEL & CAST IRON
ALUMINIUM
ZINC
Gold being the most NOBLE / CATHODIC + (positive) Zinc being the least NOBLE most ANODIC - (negative) The less noble metal will be consumed by the more noble metal when they are connected by an electrolyte (water). For example sacrificial anodes are made of zinc when used to protect steel because the zinc will be sacrificed to corrosion and the steel will stay in tact, this is known as cathodic protection. There are other less known metals and alloys within this scale but for the sake of clarity these have been omitted.
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RUST IS BREAKING OUT
The energy trapped in all iron and steel can be compared to a charged battery, it has both anodic + and cathodic - particles within its structure. Iron and steel can set free their accumulated energy in the form of electricity as soon as moisture is present, in the same manner as an electric torch battery when connected to an electric light bulb. When the battery runs down the zinc capsule around the battery is consumed and the liquid electrolyte runs out.
Exactly the same thing happens to a piece of steel. Some areas of the steel are consumed or corroded during the release of energy - THE STEEL RUSTS Some areas of steel can be more Cathodic than others and this is particularly the case of corrosion forming within seams and crevices. Correct design and restoration methods can prevent this. Rustbuster have a completely integrated range of products that can ensure corrosion free engineering, from construction through to restoration and routine maintenance.
NOW YOU UNDERSTAND THE PRINCIPLE CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCTS IS MUCH EASIER
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