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Solution to remove rusting from fracture surface required

Can anyone out there suggest a solution which could be used to remove rusting from a fracture surface (of a failed steel spring) without damaging/destroying the surface features which I then need to inspect to determine the failure mechanism.

Regards

Martin Rich
dml - ship repair - Plymouth, Devon, UK
2004

A very mild acid might do the trick. Citric or phosphoric diluted down to the lowest level that would dissolve the rust would, I think, not hurt the steel enough to interfere with your investigation.

Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA
2004

Meta phosphate solutions are available in the market which do not only remove the rust but also leaves a phosphating layer on the surface to avoid it from further rusting.

Manish Dhyani
- New Delhi, India
2004

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