Rust is a type of corrosion that can form on metal as a result of water, iron, and oxygen coming together. It ranges from shades of red, orange, and brown, and can occur as a form of iron oxide on anything that is iron or iron alloy, including steel. And this isn’t bad simply for aesthetics. Although rust is unappealing, it is also highly damaging to your metal assets. Rust leads to metal expansion, which causes vulnerabilities in the structure as a whole. This is why rust prevention should be a top priority, especially for industries that use steel products.

Do you remember the Silver Bridge Tragedy of 1967? The rust formation was so great, the steel suspension bridge suddenly collapsed in under one minute! For this reason, rust prevention is a necessary part of caring for your metal investments. Continue reading for tips on how to protect metal from rust oxidation.

Rust-Resistant Alloys

When it comes to protecting rust-resistant alloys like stainless steel and weathering steel, the umbrella caution is rain and moisture exposure. By protecting your metal assets from the elements, you are in a good position to prevent unwanted rust formation. Stainless steel contains at least 11% chrome, which provides a chromium oxide shield against damaging effects like rust. And even if the film is damaged, it will re-form again! To enhance the level of protection against stainless steel, consider adding a nickel finish. As for weathering steel, or COR-TEN, it contains up to 20% of alloying agents. This includes chromium, but also copper, phosphate, and nickel. This creates a protective coating that prevents rust formation. And COR-TEN is typically less expensive than stainless steel!

Galvanization

Similar to the protective coatings and films provided by the above-mentioned alloy elements, galvanization also creates a coating that acts as a shield against damaging effects like oxidation. But in contrast to alloying elements, galvanization uses an outside coat of metallic zinc. The process involves either hot-dip galvanizing or electroplating. Galvanization also provides sacrificial anode that takes on any rust formation in place of the actual metal.

Bluing

Bluing is homogeneous to galvanization except rather than metallic zinc, metal is coated in a substance made from a solution of potassium nitrate, sodium hydroxide, and water. When this technique is applied, it renders metal with a bluish-looking finish, hence the name “bluing.”

Additional Options:

♻ Organic Coating like Paint, Primer, or Sealer
♻ Dry Powder Coating like Acrylic, Polyester, Nylon, Vinyl, Epoxy and Urethane.
♻ Routine Care (i.e. cleaning, drying, etc.)

Don’t know what to do with your rusty old metal? Recycle it for cash!

Indianapolis Metal Recycling

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle metal for cash in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for all metal and metal commodities regardless of age, condition, type, or size. Give us your junk cars, car parts, appliances, electronics, piping, and more, all for a fast profit! Call 317-244-0700 to request a free quote for Indianapolis scrap metal recycling, today.