If you have any metal assets made from iron or steel, especially those exposed to outdoor elements, you are likely familiar with the risk of rust formation. In fact, it is likely that you have already faced the challenge of managing rust on your metal things. Fortunately, rust can be prevented. Continue reading to learn how to protect metal from rust formation, as well as, what you can do with metal that is too far corroded with rust.
Rust Formation
Rust is a form of iron oxide that occurs when iron mixes with oxygen in the air; a process known as oxidation. This exposure causes the iron to corrode. Although steel and iron are strong metals, there are still tiny gaps in which water molecules can penetrate. When salt is introduced to the equation, the rate of rust formation and subsequent corrosion is faster.
Effects of Rust
Rust is detrimental to metal objects since it exponentially erodes and weakens a structure. Take for instance the Silver Bridge disaster of 1967, in which rust corrosion caused so much structural expansion in the steel that the suspension bridge finally collapsed under its own weight in less than a minute. You see, rust causes metal to expand, which in turn, increases the amount of stress on the structure or item. Furthermore, rust is permeable to air and water, which means metal will continue to corrode underneath the rust layer, indefinitely.
Rust Prevention
Now that you have a basic understanding of how rust forms, you can netter understand how to stop it in the first place. Basically, you must protect metal from the combination of elements that cause oxidation. So to begin, do not leave metal assets outside, especially in rainy or humid climates. If you must leave them outside, consider covering them with tarps, or storing them in water-proof sheds or barns.
One way to guarantee rust prevention is to stick with rust-resistance alloys, like stainless steel, aluminum, copper, bronze, brass, chromium, and nickel. Otherwise, here are some other considerations for rust prevention:
? Galvanization – A process that coats metal with a thin layer of zinc, which acts as a barrier against oxygen and water permeation. Although rust formation eventually occurs, it does so at a much slower rate.
? Bluing – A passivation process that removes the iron from the surface of steel. It gets its name from the blueish-black appearance of the finish.
? Organic Coatings – A type of protective coating that acts as a sealant against air and water permeation. They are organic since they are usually made from vegetable matter, animal matter, or from carbon-rich compounds.
? Powder Coatings – A type of protective coating that serves the same purpose of organic coatings, but made from powder of enamel, heat curing epoxy, or a plastic compound, and thus, permanent.
What to Do With Rusty Old Metal
If you have metal objects that are too far rusted or damaged, you can sell them to a local scrap metal recycling center in town. Not only does this contribute to the preservation of our Earth’s natural resources, it puts some cash back in your wallet, and thus, not making your rusted scrap such as waste in the end. Just be sure to choose a reputable and well-established scrap metal buyer to do business with, otherwise you can risk a lower payout, or worse, becoming a victim of a fly-by-the-night scam.
Trusted Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers
Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 to recycle scrap metal for cash in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay top dollar for all metals, regardless of age or condition. We buy vehicles, equipment, sheet metal, electrical wiring, computers, auto parts, power tools, appliances, and much more. And we guarantee to pay you cash on the spot!
