how long will this last?
2007-07-28 12:10:04 · 7 answers · asked by Camilo 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
No to prevent rust there would have to be a barrier with the air (or water). For example stainless steel (electroplating) or painting would prevent rust as that layer would have to be worn away before it rusted.
Rust is iron oxide (combination of iron and oxygen). To prevent rust there has to be an airtight seal between the iron and the material protecting it. Polystyrene may help keep it dry but would not prevent rust from the water vapour present in the air.
2007-07-28 12:17:25 · answer #1 · answered by John B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume you mean polystyrene. It will prevent rust ONLY if no moisture can get under it to the metal (remember water vapor can get into very small openings and condense). If moisture gets underneath it, it will have the exact opposite effect by retarding (slowing down) evaporation and actually accelerating the rusting.
2007-07-28 12:16:29 · answer #2 · answered by utarch 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible to dissolve polystyrene in a solution with an organic solvent. One next sprays the polystyrene solution onto freshly machined steel. The solvent evaporates, leaving a coating on the freshly machined surfaces. The new steel surfaces are especially susceptible to instant rusting. After the machined parts are separated, they go to a solvent bath to wash off the resin. After that, they are fabricated into finishedd parts.
2007-07-28 12:32:42 · answer #3 · answered by steve_geo1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can find a way to coat the metal with polystyrene and ensure there is absolutely no moisture inbetween then you you can. It will last for a long time. Wel at least until the polystyrene holds up.
2007-07-28 14:06:37 · answer #4 · answered by scott k 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The voids filled with trapped air give it low thermal conductivity. This makes it ideal as a construction material and it is therefore sometimes used in structural insulated panel building systems. It is also used as insulation in building structures, as molded packing material for cushioning fragile equipment inside boxes, as packing "peanuts", as non-weight-bearing architectural structures (such as pillars), and also in crafts and model building, particularly architectural models. Foamed between two sheets of paper, it makes a more-uniform substitute for corrugated cardboard, tradenamed Fome-Cor. A more unexpected use for the material is as a lightweight fill for embankments in the civil engineering industry.
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Predicting the Durability of Polymer Coatings...
2007-07-28 15:08:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would imagine that any benign coating that prevents oxygen attacking iron would be OK.Polystyrene is probably too porous for this purpose.
2007-07-28 12:59:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope. unless you can rid the world of oxygen.
2007-07-28 12:27:52 · answer #7 · answered by becky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋