Causes of Rust
Before we discuss ways of rust removal, it is important to understand what causes rust in the first place. Rust is a natural process where iron or steel surfaces react with oxygen and moisture in the air. Some key causes of rust include:
Exposure to Water and Moisture
Water and moisture are one of the main culprits that lead to rusting. When iron or steel comes in contact with water droplets, it helps accelerate the rusting process. Areas which see higher exposure to moisture like vehicles underbodies tend to rust faster.
Lack of Protective Coating
Rust Remover metals like iron ship with a thin protective coating that shields them against oxidation. But over time with wear and tear, this coating degrades or gets scratched, exposing the bare metal to the elements. Without protection, rust forms rapidly.
Pollution and Salt Exposure
Airborne pollution particles and road salt deposit on metal surfaces, making them highly susceptible to rusting. The chloride ions in salt accelerate corrosion by converting a normally protective iron oxide film into soluble iron chloride complexes.
Galvanic Corrosion
When two dissimilar metals are in electrical contact in the presence of an electrolyte like water, it can lead to galvanic corrosion. The more reactive metal corrodes to protect the more noble one, causing rust issues.
Mechanical Damage
Scratches or cuts on painted or unpainted steel expose fresh metal surfaces to the air. Oxygen and moisture can then access these bare spots, resulting in localized rust formation.
Rust Removal Methods
Here are some of the most effective ways to tackle rust:
Wire Brushing
For light surface rust, a wire brush is quite handy. It breaks up and removes loose flakes of rust while leaving the base metal intact. Be gentle to avoid scrubbing through any underlying protective coatings.
Sandblasting
For heavy rust removal, sandblasting is a go-to method. It involves forcibly projecting pre-mixed sand or other abrasives onto the rusted surface using compressed air. This strips away thick layers of rust without damaging good metal.
Abrasive Blasting
Similar to sandblasting, abrasive blasting uses other media like aluminum oxide, sodium bicarbonate, or plastic beads for effective rust cleaning. It is suitable for large, inaccessible areas like inside tanks and vessels.
Chemical Rust Removal
Acids and alkaline rust converters are wiped or brushed onto rusted areas. They dissolve rust by converting it into more stable iron compounds. Common acids used are phosphoric, citric, and glycolic acid. Care must be taken with proper PPE.
Electrolytic Rust Removal
This involves submerging the rusty metal in an electrolyte bath and passing a low voltage direct current through it. The rust acts as the anode and dissolves while the underlying metal remains untouched. It is a precise yet non-abrasive method.
Angle Grinding
For local spots requiring rust removal prior to welding repairs, angle grinding works well. The cut-off wheel or grinding disc makes short work of rust without damaging parent metal. Spark showers call for appropriate safety precautions.
Priming and Painting
Once rust is removed, it is important to prime and paint bare metal for long-term protection. Primers seal surfaces, while topcoats like enamel, epoxy and polyurethane form durable moisture barriers to inhibit further corrosion. For automotive applications, consider buying rust-proofing sprays as well.
Rust Prevention Tips
To keep rust at bay:
- Regularly wash and wax painted vehicles to restore lost gloss and protect surfaces.
- Grease lubricated metal parts and connectors exposed to outdoor elements.
- Inspect welds and seams on vehicles underbodies, boats and trailers for water intrusion and repairs.
- Maintain even coatings onmetal furniture, grills and other outdoor equipment with periodic touch-ups.
- Consider using metals resistant to corrosion like aluminum, galvanized steel and stainless alloys for durable outdoor applications.
- Ensure concrete surfaces around metallic structures slope away to drain water properly.
- Use rust arrestor solutions as a short-term protective primer before painting metal projects stored outdoors.
With the right rust removal methodology and preventive maintenance, metal structures and equipment can deliver years of service even in corrosive environments. Choosing a technique depends on the severity and extent of rust. Combined with good painting practices, these solutions keep metals looking as new.
About Author:
Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement. (LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-pandey-8417a8173/)
