How to quickly get rid of rusty plaque on a metal surface? Along with machining, there are chemicals that successfully solve this problem. The most popular of these is the WD-40. What is the ideal technical spray or the result of a competent company to popularize the product?
History of creation
As a result of the search for the optimal composition of a technical aerosol with a wide range of applications, the California-based Rocket Chemical Company introduced in 1958 such a new product as WD-40 grease. The first years of sales were not particularly successful - the market was not yet ready to accept this product. However, after a successful contract with a company that was involved in the processing of NASA rockets, the situation has changed radically.
Using this, the management of the manufacturing company developed a fundamentally new strategy for conquering the market. It was based on three components that are still in effect.
- Secret composition. The complete list of WD-40 components is still unknown. What it is and what the aerosol consists of, they know only in the manufacturing company.
- Universality. The tool protects the surface from rust, removes corrosion deposits, helps reduce the coefficient of friction in moving parts of mechanisms.
- Safety for human health when used.
As a result of this, the aerosol has received widespread use not only in the United States, but also around the world. To date, in the set of every motorist and home master you can find a spray can with WD-40.
Composition: myths and reality
Despite the secrecy of the main ingredients of the aerosol, attempts are still being made to identify all components. As mentioned above, the exact composition of the WD-40 is known only to the manufacturer. However, based on numerous studies, the following components were identified.
- White Spirit. As a percentage of the total, it takes up to 50%.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2). It is necessary for the formation of a dispersed jet during application.
- The complex composition of carbohydrates.
The latter are of the greatest interest to researchers, since their composition is still unclear. Almost all of them are of plant origin, and their effect on the properties of the aerosol has not been fully studied. However, for the consumer, these subtleties do not matter. Knowledge of what the WD-40 consists of, what it is, are not priority. More interesting are its properties. They determine the scope.
Aerosol properties
Initially, a spray was developed as an effective preparation for removing rust on a metal surface. This function is even embedded in its name - Water Displacement (moisture displacer). As a result of this effect, the oxide formation decomposes, and at the same time, a thin protective film is obtained.
However, these are not all of the properties that WD-40 has. Specifications indicate the following aerosol capabilities.
- High insight. Due to the presence of “white gasoline” in the composition, the lubricant fills all microcracks and external irregularities, forming a protective layer.
- Removal of many building and finishing materials from a metal surface.
- Helps reduce wear on moving machinery with continuous spraying.
However, along with this aerosol is extremely flammable. When spraying and storing, the safety rules must be observed.
Areas of use
In the early years of its appearance, there was a narrow specialization of WD-40. The use of aerosol was limited to the application of a protective anti-corrosion layer. However, other equally useful features of the product were gradually revealed. The expansion of the scope has become a fundamental factor in the rapid popularity of aerosol.
Currently, the following works can be distinguished, with which the lubricant successfully copes:
- surface dehydration;
- corrosion removal;
- formation of a protective film.
Each of them must be considered in more detail, with examples of practical application. For those who first encountered the WD-40, this information will be useful.
Rust removal
The formation of an oxide layer on the surface of metals is inevitable. As a result of exposure to oxygen, oxidation occurs, which can lead to irreparable damage to the surface of the part or mechanism.
Most often, this problem is encountered by motorists - periodic wetting of the steel elements of the machine, even with a protective layer, leads to the appearance of a little rust. If you do not take measures to eliminate it, then over time the problem will only increase. When aerosol is sprayed, the corrosion layer softens. After that, it is enough to remove rust with a rag and apply another protective layer of WD-40.
The advantages of the application are a special nozzle. A thin plastic tube makes it possible to process hard-to-reach parts and elements of a car. This technology can be applied to any metal parts - door hinges, locks, etc.
Corrosion protection
Equally effectively, WD-40 performs surface protection functions. Due to its high permeability, the composition easily fills even small metal defects - microcracks and bumps. In this case, a reliable protective layer is formed, which prevents exposure to oxygen.
However, over time, it quickly disappears. Therefore, parts must be reworked periodically. Regularity is determined by the operational properties of the surface, exposure to moisture, mechanical wear and the presence of other protective coatings. Some sources speak of attempts to replace the galvanic treatment of metal with an aerosol layer. Despite the fact that the protective properties of the former were high, the need for continuous updating became financially disadvantageous.
Removing sticking mechanisms
With prolonged stagnation of any device with contacting moving parts, their molecular bonding inevitably occurs. In everyday life, this can be observed by the example of ordinary door hinges. If they have not been used for a long time, then during their movement a characteristic creak is formed. To eliminate it, the WD-40 tool is used. What is it, know firsthand the master of furniture repair. Aerosol is a mandatory set of their tools.
When the lubricant acts on the parts, moisture is removed, as a result of which the resulting molecular bonds are destroyed. At the same time, the corrosion layer is eliminated. In addition to the above examples, the effective elimination of sticking with an aerosol will be productive in the cases described below.
- Domestic application - processing of moving mechanisms of cranes, hinges and locks.
- Industrial machines and units. When re-equipment after a long downtime.
- Car service. This is the widest range of applications - from lubrication of the chassis to the formation of a protective layer on the engine cover.
However, along with this, there are non-standard situations that have been identified experimentally by consumers.
Unusual uses
Fantasy and natural savvy became the basis for the appearance of very unusual areas of application for the WD-40. Some of them were identified as a result of an analysis of the properties of the lubricant. Others became a frank discovery - accidental spraying led to a completely unexpected result.
- Stuck ring. Everyone is familiar with the situation when, as a result of long wear, this integral part of jewelry categorically does not want to be removed. A small jet of aerosol is enough, and the ring will leave your finger without any problems.
- Sanding flooring. Abrasions and stains on the floor or tile can be effectively removed with the WD-40.
- Surface treatment of shoes. In rainy weather, apply a little lubricant to the surface of the shoe - this will form an effective water-repellent film.
- Freezing windows. Spraying a small layer of aerosol on the glass will prevent its contamination. In addition, freezing is almost completely eliminated.
These are just a few of the practical applications of the WD-40. What is a truly universal remedy or wishful thinking condition ? One thing can be said - all the above examples are valid and tested in practice.
Application restrictions
Despite the seeming universality, there are strict rules for using the tool. It is forbidden to spray aerosol into the eyes or mucous membranes. In addition, there are a number of materials that are destroyed as a result of exposure to lubricant: polycarbonate, pure polystyrene.
As a result of even a short-term exposure to aerosol, irreversible destructive processes occur.