Rust is a common “disease” of metals. These durable, versatile materials surround us everywhere. They are used to create household appliances, cars, air transport and much more. All the most durable mounts are also made of metal. But here is the problem: over time, many of them are susceptible to oxidation - corrosion. The material is destroyed under the influence of the environment, and the structure begins to deteriorate. How to save metal from imminent death? Which rust remover to choose? We will understand in the article.
Light dirt removal
The sooner rust is detected, the easier it is to deal with it. If the damage is not too deeply embedded in the metal, it is enough to resort to a mechanical method of cleaning. To do this, you can treat the surface with a stiff brush. Grinding will remove a layer of contaminants and save the metal from the further spread of "infection".
It is worth noting that the mechanical cleaning stage is also used to combat deeply rooted rust before applying chemicals to achieve the best result. As a stiff brush, you can use large sandpaper.
Auto cleaner
A good rust remover is a car metal cleaner. This tool is available: it can be purchased at any store specialized in automotive products. Before applying it is recommended to clean the surface affected by rust with a stiff brush. After that, the area is covered with a layer of funds up to 5 millimeters thick and left for a couple of minutes. Then it is necessary to wash off the residues and wipe the surface until dry. If the rust is not completely gone, repeat the procedure.
It should be remembered that any rust remover is toxic. Typically, these are acids that are burned by skin. It is necessary to work in protective gloves, goggles and a respirator. Additionally, it will not be superfluous to carefully read the instructions for use and precautions.
Homemade solution
As a result of folk experiments, many "home" recipes for rust removal were created. They are based on substances that dissolve iron oxide formed on the surface of a decaying metal. Homemade rust remover is prepared according to the following recipe:
- water - 300 ml;
- ammonium - 50 g;
- 40% formalin - 250 g;
- caustic soda or caustic soda - 50 g.
After mixing the ingredients, they must be diluted with a liter of water. Place metal elements that have corroded into the solution (the product will not work for surface treatment). Leave on for 15-40 minutes, occasionally observing the process. Remove parts immediately after rust has disappeared. Then rinse well in hot water and wipe until dry. The original appearance and natural metallic luster are guaranteed.
Acids against rust
Acids are known to dissolve many chemical compounds. Hydrated iron oxide is no exception. For high-quality cleansing, one should resort to strong acids, which are hydrochloric, sulfuric and phosphoric. True, using pure solutions is not worth it: they are too caustic. Acid from rust will work correctly if you add an inhibitor to it - a substance that slows down a chemical reaction. One of the most affordable is urotropin.
The recipe is quite simple: you need to take any of the acids described and dilute it with water to form a 5% solution. Then add an inhibitor in the calculation of 0.5 grams per liter of liquid. The surface is treated with the resulting product and left for some time. Hydrochloric, sulfuric or phosphoric acid can easily cope with the task. Where to buy an inhibitor? If it is not on the market and in specialized stores, use this recipe:
- lay potato tops in a three-liter jar (should fill half of its volume);
- pour acid to cover the stems;
- Actively mix the contents for 20 minutes;
- drain the liquid and the metal cleaner is ready.
Phosphoric Acid
A solution made on the basis of phosphoric acid fights rust in a very profitable way. The tool converts a layer of rust into a durable coating. At what concentration should phosphoric acid be? Where to buy her? You can find acids, including phosphoric acid, in auto chemical shops or industrial departments. To prepare an effective solution that converts hydrated iron oxide into a durable metal coating, it is recommended to use a 15% or 30% aqueous solution of phosphoric acid. The resulting product is applied with a brush or spray and left to dry completely.
Another effective method of combating redhead based on phosphoric acid is this recipe:
- butanol - 5 ml;
- tartaric acid - 15 ml;
- phosphoric acid - 1 l.
Why does phosphoric acid so affect rust? Everything is easily explained from the point of view of chemistry: it converts iron oxide into phosphate, which forms a kind of film on the surface of the metal that protects it.
Other methods of chemical exposure
What other substances can rust be removed successfully? Perhaps simpler methods will be such tools as:
- a mixture of liquid paraffin (or liquid paraffin) and lactic acid in a ratio of 2: 1;
- zinc chloride (5 g) and tartar (0.5 g) dissolved in 100 ml of water;
- turpentine or kerosene for minor corrosion.
All these methods are good for removing rust on the metal of cars and other elements from "non-domestic" metal. For home use, there are several simpler and more affordable methods for removing ginger plaque:
- fish oil - applied to rust and left for some time;
- a mixture of citric acid and vinegar in equal proportions eliminates corrosion in the bathroom and rust stains on clothes, the product is applied for 20 minutes, after which the surface is cleaned with a hard sponge;
- make gruel from baking soda (by adding water to it) and apply to the metal surface, leave for an hour, then rinse;
- oxalic acid solution : 6 tsp dissolve in 300 ml of water, lower the rusted elements into the resulting liquid for half an hour;
- Coca-Cola drink copes with rust very well due to its content of phosphoric acid.
Prevention methods
Removing rust from metal is a lengthy and not the easiest process. Corrosion can be avoided by some means that protect the surface from destruction. Here are some useful recipes that prevent rust:
- mix paraffin or wax (20 g) with gasoline (40 ml), the resulting solution is an excellent tool to protect carpentry tools from corrosion;
- wax or paraffin (10 g) and kerosene (30 ml) will prevent rust on polished metal tools.
To avoid the “redhead”, you should take good care of the material: avoid excessive moisture, clean it from dirt and dust on time. A lot of anti-corrosion coatings have been developed , which can be found in automobile stores.
A rust remover is a caustic solution that solves the problem or converts it into a protective film. It is worth remembering that any tool (home or store) is very toxic for humans and for metal. The rules of use and precautions must be strictly followed to avoid damage to the skin and metal surface.