RUST

[danbyrambler]

Was in my VFW the other day with a couple of my closest friends doin' the glory days thing & hit on a new to me thought about a possible rust cause. Both mi amigos are '65 seniority retired chrysler assembly & they got to talking about how hot it could get on the line. Gist of this story is human sweat as a rust starter - They had no idea how much sweat was shed when they used to crawl around/over/inside depending upon the work station except that it was lots when things were miserably hot - They also said nothing was done to effectively relieve the heat until newer assembly means, robots mostly, needed cooler operating temps for their electronics. - - - Worthless info, I know, just something I had yet to stumble (pun?) upon.

 

:cheers:

[jimoshel]

I have sweated on a piece of bare metal and watched it rust before my eyes. Another thing about sweat is being salty, it's also corrosive. Let the discussion on the differences between rust and corrosion begin. :hmm:

[Comanche County]

I'll start it....

 

Rust is a generic term for oxidation of of Iron. It comes in several chemical forms depending on the environment. Oxygen and iron will react when in contact with each other forming some variant of an oxide. It happens faster in the presence/contact or water, and other compounds - like salt (electrolytes speeds the transfer of electrons) which makes it happen even faster.

 

Anything with iron in it, will begin to rust and thus corrode immediately when exposed to oxygen with any measurable amount of humidity. Although its not always noticeable to the naked eye. At 65% humidity and higher, especially at 85% or higher it starts to happen fast. One drop of water or sweat (which contains salt like mentioned) will immediately form what's commonly called "flash rust". Just a surface reaction and not really catastrophic to the metal but it needs to be neutralized or it will continue to react even if painted over.

 

Rust is corrosion although it is typically associated with ferrous (iron containing) metals. Corrosion happens to every metal, even gold when in contact with the right element or compound.

 

Precious metals like gold (the most stable element) or silver are far more stable and do not corrode as easily. Iron (FE) isn't very stable at all....That's why its not a precious metal. This is why painters will always have a job as long as we keep building things out of iron/steel, and we always will because its readily available, cheap and strong.

[jimoshel]

Thats why when ever i get a new vehicle the first thing I do is gold plate it. Ain't had one rust on me yet. :roll:

[danbyrambler]

Finally! Testimony that gold WILL corrode - - Can't wait to show this to the Mrs - Maybe this'll stop the whine about her wedding rings turning green. :bowdown: