Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Formulating a water-based rust remover
Q. I am need help formulating a rust removing formula using selective chelation. I am looking for a water based solution but have not found the right chemicals yet. I want to make a water based solution, in which I can soak the metal part for 3-4 hours and the rust will be gone. Any advice? You help will be greatly appreciated.
Brian Bucklelab beginner - Barrie, Ontario, Canada
2004
A. There are already many water-based rust removers on the market, so you can just buy it unless you are looking to formulate and market it. In that case, a patent search will probably reveal what the others are using, serving both as a guide to what you can't legally use, and offering hints at similar chemicals that you can use. Some seem to suggest 'maleic acid copolymer', or 'polyvinylpyrrolidone'; I have absolutely no idea what hazards, if any, these chemicals involve. citric acid [on eBay or Amazon] is a good chelator, but if used alone would probably leave the article sensitive to flash rusting.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004
A. You can find out a lot of information about cleaners by getting access to the AMS (or is it ASM) book on cleaning metals. It is a large book in a series of books. Lots of good information for a "student".
James Watts- Navarre, Florida
2004
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