The Process Of Rusting

The red brown powdery flakes on the surface of metal are not merely an eyesore but reduce its structural strength. If not reversed in time, rusting and corrosion will reduce the metal to a chunk of useless scrap. How does this actually take place?

Rust – Is the corrosion of iron and steel a common name for Iron oxide or ferrous oxide. Iron readily combines with oxygen and moisture to form this oxide. This happens even though atmospheric oxygen is not a very pure form of gas. Moisture in the air acts as a catalyst to speed up the rusting reaction.

Corrosion is an electrochemical process that involves the anode and cathode of metal along with an electrolyte. When a piece of metal starts to corrode, the electrolyte (liquid that helps electrons to move, in this case water) helps in providing oxygen to the anode of the metal. As oxygen comes in contact with the metal, electrons become free. When they float through the electrolyte to the cathode, the metal of the anode becomes thinner, swept away by the electrical flow or conversion into metal cations in the form of rust.

The oxide of a metal is weaker in comparison to pure metal - this explains why rusted metal becomes useless in a short period of time. Use of a safe and effective rust and corrosion inhibitor goes a long way in keeping metal rust free.

Why Should You Go For Rust Inhibitors That Are Developed Using Patented Technologies?

Rusting occurs as a result of the reaction between metals and environmental elements. Metals such as iron and steel have high tensile strength and are used in many industries like marine, automotives and construction. Rusting leads to degradation of the metal, which in turn can lead to severe consequences like malfunctioning of machines and even accidents. Rust inhibitors are products that help in rust prevention and protection. Any product that comes with a certification from a respectable organization can be trusted as a quality product. When a government recognized organization awards certifications such as patents to a company, it takes into account all the aspects pertaining to quality and efficacy. 

Before making your choice for rust protection products do consider the position and status of the brand in the market. Several companies will promote their products as the ‘best’ but the word ‘best’ should be reserved for those products that fulfil all the parameters of a good rust inhibitor and are created using patented technologies.

The Need For Special Rust Prevention Solutions For Marine Environments

Rusting is a common phenomenon, but with marine environments, this problem is intensified. Salt water plays havoc by acting as catalysts to the process of corrosion. Therefore, the need of the hour is rust prevention methods that successfully remove rust and prevent the phenomenon of rusting. Methods for rust prevention include galvanizing, powder coating and use of rust resistant alloys. Galvanization is the process of coating a metal with another metal like zinc or cadmium. The major disadvantage of galvanization is the inability of the method to provide long term rust prevention. After a period of time cracks and chips begin to develop, especially in seams and joints. Painting and coating with anti-rust products help in rust prevention by establishing a barrier which protects the metal from the environmental elements that cause corrosion. Rust resistant alloys are not strong enough to withstand pressure and thus find limited use.

Rust inhibitors are chemically produced substances that provide effective rust prevention for a long period of time. Most rust inhibitors contain high levels of VOC (Volatile organic compounds) which are toxic and harm the environment.

Select Rust Protection Products Wisely

It is not uncommon to hear people complain about the problem of rusting. If it is a metal then it will surely corrode and if the metal is iron or steel, corrosion will occur at a faster rate. Although, several products are available in the market, most of them fail to do what is expected of them. Some rust protection methods are expensive and are still not able to provide long term protection from corrosion while some would not work effectively on all type of materials. There are always some limitations and downsides associated with rust protection products. While purchasing such products it would be advisable to consider the following:

• Cost - compare the cost with that of similar products and other available alternatives.

• Quality and Efficiency - a good rust protection product should be priced reasonably without compromising on efficiency.

• Surface preparation - preparation of the metal surface prior to application of a rust protection product can be extremely difficult and time consuming

• Reliability - products which have been tried and tested or have received some sort of certification from a responsible body should be preferred.

• Toxicity and Effect on the Environment - they should be free of harmful chemicals and safe for the environment. Ideally, they should be VOC compliant.

How To Identify A Good Rust Inhibitor

Rust or corrosion inhibitors are products which are especially developed to address the problem of rusting. All rust inhibitors work differently. Their ability to prevent the process of corrosion depends largely on the method and core ingredients present in them. Certain Rust Corrosion inhibitors contain large amounts of toxic and environmentally degrading compounds like lead, acids, and heavy metals, and are harmful to use. It is important to use rust inhibitors that are free of such compounds and are VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) compliant.

A good rust inhibitor will guarantee long term protection from corrosion. Another distinguishing feature of good rust inhibitors is that they do not require extensive surface preparation. Most rust inhibitors will require you to apply additional products for UV protection, however, with a good rust inhibitor the need for additional products for UV protection and etching primers over. A good rust inhibitor should be versatile i.e. it should be able to provide rust protection to different metals. Furthermore, it should be able to protect the material from harsh climatic conditions and chemicals.