MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: Basically I would like to know what the rustproof metals are .

Date: Wed Mar 11 15:58:58 1998
Posted By: Marilyn Zayac, na, na, na
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 888923063.Ch
Message:

Well, technically rust is Iron Oxide.  There are a couple of forms Fe203 
and Fe3O4 are the most common.  (The numbers should be subscripts)It is 2 
atoms of Iron (Fe) and 3 of Oxygen, or 3 of iron and 4 of oxygen.  Then, 
only materials containing iron can rust.  This is basically iron and all 
steels except stainless steels.  Stainless steels contain enough nickel and 
chromium to protect the metal from rust.

Now, virtually all metals oxidize at the right temperature.  Gold, platinum 
and palladium dont oxidize at room temperature, which is the reason they 
ard used in jewelry and electronics.  Copper does oxidize but the most 
common oxide is a thin dark film, and once it oxidizes, it protects the 
metal form more oxidation.  Brass also oxidizes, which is why it is usually 
coated with a layer of laquer.  Aluminum oxidizes to a dull finish, which 
can sometimes be colored and is called anodizing.  Unlike rust these 
coatings protect the metal from further destruction.  Rust is a porous 
coating, which allows air and water to get in contact with the base metal, 
and the rusting process continues.



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