Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Causes of corrosion

What causes corrosion? I'm doing a science fair project and I need to know what causes corrosion!

Leslie [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Ohio
2002

Corrosion is caused by a chemical reaction between a metal (iron, aluminum, zinc, etc.) and oxygen in the air. Rust is a metal oxide. Metal oxides are a more stable and natural state than the original metal. Water and salt do not need to be present, but they make this reaction happen much quicker.

Tim Neveau
Rochester Hills, Michigan
2003

What else causes corrosion?

Kyrsten H. [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Westbrook, Connecticut, United States
2004

"Science Fair Success Secrets"

on AbeBooks

or Amazon

(affil links)

One way of looking at it is that anything that reacts with a metal causes corrosion. Therefore acids and sulfides are two more things that cause corrosion.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: