| MadSci Network: Chemistry |
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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