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rust

File:Rust_on_iron.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

EntityQ184197· pop 93· linked from 375 articles

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.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

~17 min read

Encyclopedic overview

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.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “rust” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.

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