Rust is formed when iron or steel is exposed to oxygen and moisture, weakening the metal’s bonds. Water is the main catalyst for rusting, and salt water can speed up the process. Rust can be prevented with water-resistant coatings, dehumidifiers, or galvanization.
Rust is another name for iron oxide, which occurs when iron or an alloy containing iron, such as steel, is exposed to oxygen and moisture for an extended period of time. Over time, the oxygen combines with the metal at the atomic level, forming a new compound called an oxide and weakening the metal’s bonds. Although some people refer to rust generally as “oxidation,” that term is much more general; Although rust forms when iron undergoes oxidation, not all oxidation forms rust. Only iron or alloys containing iron can rust, but other metals can corrode in a similar way.
The main catalyst of the rusting process is water. Iron or steel structures might appear solid, but water molecules can penetrate the microscopic pits and cracks of any exposed metal. The hydrogen atoms present in water molecules can combine with other elements to form acids, which ultimately cause more metal to be exposed.
If sodium is present, as is the case in salt water, corrosion is likely to occur more quickly. Meanwhile, the oxygen atoms combine with the metal atoms to form the destructive oxide compound. When the atoms combine, they weaken the metal, making the structure brittle and brittle.
Some pieces of iron or steel are thick enough to maintain their integrity even if iron oxide forms on the surface. The thinner the metal, the more chance it has to rust. Placing a pad of steel wool in water and exposing it to the air will cause rust to begin almost immediately because steel filaments are so thin. Eventually, the individual iron bonds will be destroyed and the entire pad will disintegrate.
Rusting cannot be stopped easily, but metals can be treated to resist the most damaging effects. Some are protected by water-resistant paints, preventive coatings, or other chemical barriers, such as oil. It’s also possible to reduce the chances of rust forming by using a dehumidifier or desiccant to help remove moisture from the air, but this is usually only effective in relatively small areas.
Steel is often galvanized to prevent iron oxide buildup; this process usually involves applying a very thin layer of zinc to the surface. Another process, called plating, can be used to add a layer of zinc, tin or chromium to the metal. Cathodic protection involves the use of an electric charge to suppress or prevent the chemical reaction that causes rust to form.
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