Rust Removal
Introduction-When hand tools, automobiles, or virtually any other metal device is left in the open air, eventually it will corrode and form rust. Rust is caused by the combination of oxygen and iron (4Fe + 3O= 2FeO). Rusty metal is a problem because it often renders the metal useless or just plain ugly. By testing different methods of removing rust the most effective method may be discovered.
By researching various ways of rust removal many factory produced and homemade remedies can be found, four different methods will be tested in this experiment. The first method tests the effectiveness of Rust-Eze rust remover, a factory produced remover designed for “tuff rust” specifically on the body of automobiles. This method will be used as a control as industrial removers are the most common method of rust eradication.
Now for the homegrown rust removers. Naval jelly is reputedly an effective rust remover, as well as molasses; these two will also be tested. The most unique rust remover found while researching was electrolysis. By applying direct current to the rusty piece of metal submerged in a solution of water and baking powder, the rust was rumored to fly off of the metal piece to a sacrificial anode attached to the positive electrode.