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How concerned should I be about using acids to remove rust?

Q. What is the bottom line on the safety of using phosphoric acid based rust treatments on automobile body panels, framework, leaf springs, bolts, etc.. is there truly a danger associated with embrittlement making sandblasting a much more attractive alternative?

Joe Bussey
- Golden, Colorado, USA
2003

"Phosphating of Metals"
by Werner Rausch

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"Phosphating & Metal Pretreatment"
by D.B. Freeman

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A. Hi Joe. Sandblasting is no substitute for phosphating. Phosphating promotes paint adhesion, reduces galvanic hot spots, and deters filiform corrosion among other benefits.

Hydrogen embrittlement only applies to hardened steel components like leaf springs and high strength bolts, not to framework, body panels, and low strength fasteners. Further, it can be eliminated on most parts by proper baking, and phosphatizing is only very marginally embrittling anyway, unlike processes like chrome plating. If the landing gear on airliners can be safely chrome plated, automobile parts can certainly be phosphated. Good luck.

Regards,

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

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