What is rust?

Question

What is rust and what makes it appear?

Answer 1

Fe2O3 ...oxidized Iron...it is catalyzed by H2O.

4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) ---> 2Fe2O3(s)

Answer 2

Rust is scientifically called oxidation, which occurs when oxygen comes in long-term contact with certain metals. Over time, the oxygen combines with the metal at an atomic level, forming a new compound called an oxide and weakening the bonds of the metal itself. If the base metal is iron or steel, the resulting rust is properly called iron oxide. Rusted aluminum would be called aluminum oxide, copper forms copper oxide and so on.

The main catalyst for the rusting process is dihydrogen oxide, but we know it better as water. Iron or steel structures may appear solid, but water molecules can easily penetrate the microscopic pits and cracks in any exposed metal. The hydrogen atoms present in water can combine with other elements to form acids, which will eventually cause more metal to be exposed. If sodium is present, as is the case with saltwater, corrosion will likely occur more quickly. Meanwhile, the oxygen atoms combine with metallic atoms to form the destructive oxide compound. As the atoms combine they weaken the metal, making the structure brittle and crumbly.

Some pieces of iron or steel are thick enough to maintain their integrity even if rust forms on the surface. Others are protected by water-resistant paints or other chemical barriers such as oil. The thinner the metal, the better chance rusting will occur. Water alone does not cause steel to rust, but the acidic reaction allows oxygen to attack vulnerable exposed metal. Placing a steel wool pad in water and exposing it to air will cause almost-immediate rusting. The air around the pad will actually feel several degrees warmer. Eventually the individual iron bonds will be destroyed from the heat and the entire pad will disintegrate. Rust formation cannot be stopped easily, but metals can be treated to resist the most damaging effects.

Answer 3

Rust is scientifically called oxidation, which occurs when oxygen comes in long-term contact with certain metals. Over time, the oxygen combines with the metal at an atomic level, forming a new compound called an oxide and weakening the bonds of the metal itself. If the base metal is iron or steel, the resulting rust is properly called iron oxide. Rusted aluminum would be called aluminum oxide, copper forms copper oxide and so on

Answer 4

Rust is a general term for iron oxides formed by the reaction of iron with oxygen. Rusting is the common term for corrosion of iron and its alloys, such as steel. Although oxidation of other metals is equivalent, these oxides are not commonly called rust.

As rust has higher volume than the originating mass of iron, its buildup may force apart adjacent parts

Answer 5

It is the oxidation of Iron. And what makes it appear is: when you have iron (or certain other types of metal) exposed to air, water, or anything else with Oxygen in it... the oxygen will change it's "bonding partner" (we will use laymans terms, its the easiest way to explain it) and some of the Oxygen will bond to the Iron.
SO, simply put. Fe + O- or O2---> FeO-compounds (depending on if it is wet or dry). Iron Oxide. Iron oxide would be the chemical name for Rust.

Answer 6

Rust is a general term for iron oxides formed by the reaction of iron with oxygen. Several forms of rust are distinguishable visually and by spectroscopy, and form under different circumstances. The chemical composition of rust is typically hydrated iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3.nH2O), and under wet conditions may include iron(III) oxide-hydroxide (FeO(OH)). Rusting is the common term for corrosion of iron and its alloys, such as steel. Although oxidation of other metals is equivalent, these oxides are not commonly called rust.

As rust has higher volume than the originating mass of iron, its buildup may force apart adjacent parts - a phenomenon known as rust smacking.

Answer 7

Rust is a general term for iron oxides formed by the reaction of iron with oxygen.

Answer 8

iron oxide or iron oxyhydroxide of the general formula
Fe2O3 or FeOOH

normally rust form from the oxidation of iron to iron 2+ (ferrous) or iron 3+ (ferric)

rust then form via a hydrolysis with water: for example

2FeOH3 - > 2FeOOH + 42OH+ -> Fe2O3 + 6H+

(it's somewhat more complicated then this)

it's a misconception that iron oxide (rust) is purely an oxidation, the major procees is hydrolysis, that's why rust forms when metal is exposed to water

Answer 9

common name for a very common compound, iron oxide
rusting is an example of corrosion,When a piece of metal corrodes, the electrolyte helps provide oxygen to the anode. As oxygen combines with the metal, electrons are liberated. When they flow through the electrolyte to the cathode, the metal of the anode disappears, swept away by the electrical flow or converted into metal cations in a form such as rust.

Answer 10

It is the oxidation of Iron. And what makes it appear is: when you have iron (or certain other types of metal) exposed to air, water, or anything else with Oxygen in it... the oxygen will change it's "bonding partner" (we will use laymans terms, its the easiest way to explain it) and some of the Oxygen will bond to the Iron.
SO, simply put. Fe + O- or O2---> FeO-compounds (depending on if it is wet or dry). Iron Oxide. Iron oxide would be the chemical name for Rust.

Answer 11

It is Fe2O3, and it is oxidized metal. Most alloys are no immune to it, such as aluminum, titanium, tungsten, etc...

It happens on cheap metal all the time, Chinese patio furniture, bicycle rims, and most beater cars that are over 10-20 years old. Rain and moisture will most certainly trigger this reaction, it must be the O in H2O bonding with the metal.

O3 (ozone) is also a heavy oxidizer.

That's all I can come up with at the moment.