How is rust created

Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph. Chemistry Expert. Helmenstine holds a Ph. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.

Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated January 22, Technically, it's iron oxide hydrate, because pure iron oxide isn't rust. Rust forms when iron or its alloys are exposed to moist air. The oxygen and water in air react with the metal to form the hydrated oxide. The familiar red form of rust is Fe 2 O 3 , but iron has other oxidation states, so it can form other colors of rust. Featured Video. View Article Sources. Cite this Article Format. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph. How Rust and Corrosion Work.

Sulfuric Acid and Sugar Demonstration. Metal Profile and Properties of Tellurium. Examples of Chemical Reactions in Everyday Life. Oxygen causes these electrons to rise up and form hydroxyl ions OH. Where the affected iron particles were, has now become a corrosion pit, and where they are now, is called the corrosion product rust.

Corrosion can happen at any rate, depending on the environment that the metal is in. However, since atmospheric corrosion is so widespread, it is recommended to take effective precautionary measures when it comes to corrosion prevention.

Depending on the situation and application, you may be able to treat the area that has corroded. If the affected area is small and treatable, you may require some tools and products to remove it. Begin by removing the rust from the metal using a tools such as a grinding wheel or needle gun.

Be careful not to cause any additional damage to the metal. You will also want to take this time to look at the application as a whole for other premature signs of corrosion. The result can be seen as rust. Left in a totally dry environment, iron or steel will not rust. It is when moisture is added that the oxidation process starts to occur.

Because the air we breathe has moisture in it, oxidation will occur even if there is no water added to the metal. There is enough hydrogen and oxygen in the air to allow the atoms to bond with the iron. This creates the chemical reaction known as oxidation, or rust. There are things you can do to prevent rust from forming on your metal surfaces.

The first is to keep things like tools in a dry area. Rust may form even if the tools are stored in a tool box. However, the process is much slower because the exposure to the moisture in the air is decreased. If you are in a humid area, you may consider investing in a dehumidifier. This machine also decreases the moisture in the air, reducing your chances of rust forming.

Things which are normally stored outside, like bicycles and lawn mowers, can be covered or moved indoors. There are products which will allow you to keep moisture from ruining your tools and other things. Silica gel packs help to dry out the air in small places like drawers or tool boxes.

Keeping a couple of these packs in your tool chest will ensure your tools are not susceptible to rust. Also, when items which are made of iron or steel become wet, dry them off as soon as possible.