We usually think of rust as the orange-brown flakes that form on an exposed steel surface when iron molecules in the metal react with oxygen in the presence of water to produce iron oxides. Metals can also react in the presence of acids or harsh industrial chemicals. If nothing stops the corrosion, the rust flakes will continue to break down, exposing the metal to further corrosion until it disintegrates.
Corrosion resistant metal options
Not all metals contain iron, but they can rust or corrode in other oxidation reactions. Nastyprevent oxidationand degradation of metal products, such as railings, tanks, appliances, roofing or siding, you can opt for metals that are "rust resistant" or more accurately "corrosion resistant". Four basic types of metals fall into this category:
Stainless steel
Stainless steelspecies, such as304of316, is a mixture of elements and most of them contain some amount of iron, which quickly oxidizes and forms rust. But many stainless steel alloys also have a high percentage of chromium – at least 18 percent – which is even more reactive than iron. Chromium oxidizes quickly and forms a protective layer of chromium oxide on the metal surface. This oxide layer is resistant to corrosion and prevents oxygen from reaching the underlying steel. Other elements in the alloy, such as nickel and molybdenum, increase rust resistance.
Aluminum metal
Because it is lightweight and corrosion resistant, many aircraft, car and bicycle parts use italuminiumfor production.Aluminum alloyscontains virtually no iron, and without iron the metal does not rust, but oxidizes. When the alloy is exposed to water, an aluminum oxide film quickly forms on the surface. The hard oxide layer resists further corrosion and protects the underlying metal.
View metal products at IMS
Copper, bronze and brass
These three metals contain little to no iron and do not rust, but they can react with oxygen.Buyeroxidizes over time and forms a green patina, protecting the metal from further corrosion.Bronzeis a mixture of copper and tin and small amounts of other elements and is naturally much more resistant to corrosion than copper.Messingmetallerare alloys of copper, zinc and other factors that are corrosion resistant.
Galvanized steel
Galvanized steelIt takes a long time for it to rust, but it will rust eventually. This type is carbon steel that has been galvanized or provided with a thin layer of zinc. The zinc acts as a barrier that prevents oxygen and water from reaching the steel, providing advanced corrosion protection. Even if the zinc layer is scratched off, it protects nearby parts of the underlying steel through cathodic preservation and by forming a protective layer of zinc oxide. Like aluminum, zinc is highly reactive with oxygen in the presence of moisture, and the coating prevents the iron in the steel from further oxidizing.
Industrial Metal Supply has a wide range of rust resistant productsmetalfor various applications.
Your local metal supplier serving Southern California, Arizona and Northern Mexico
Industrial metal supplyis Sydlandet's largest supplier of all typesmetalInmetalworking accessories, including rust prevention products. All metals are made of high-quality anti-rust materials combined with premiummetal finishwhich provides extended rust protection to ensure the preservation of your metal for many years.
For more information on rust prevention, check out our blog at6 tips to prevent rust.
