rust

Also known as iron corrosion, iron weathering

thumb|upright=1.35|Colors and porous surface texture of rust

AI overview

Rust is a reddish-brown coating that forms on iron and steel when they're exposed to oxygen and moisture. It matters because rust weakens metal structures and causes billions of dollars in damage to infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment worldwide.

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Wikidata facts

Image: Ford Taurus Rust.jpg

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Commons category: Rust

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~17 min read

Article

17 sections

Contents

Chemical reactions
Oxidation of iron
Associated reactions
Prevention
Rust-resistant alloys
Galvanization
Cathodic protection
Coatings and painting
Bluing
Inhibitors
Humidity control
Treatment
Economic effect
Cultural symbolism
See also
References
Further reading

thumb|upright=1.35|Colors and porous surface texture of rust

Rust is an iron oxide, a usually reddish-brown oxide formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the catalytic presence of water or air moisture. Rust consists of hydrous iron(III) oxides (Fe2O3·nH2O) and iron(III) oxide-hydroxide (FeO(OH), Fe(OH)3), and is typically associated with the corrosion of refined iron.