How can rusting be speeded up

Having the whole surface thoroughly cover with a layer of rust is not a problem. Run a piece of unseasoned iron through the dishwasher and you'll see it. Having the padlock rust through and through like in the fable of the rope made of ash is a different matter, as the rust on the surface will shield the metal from the stuff you through at it from outside.

Show 3 more comments. Active Oldest Votes. Presence of oxygen : make sure the iron have access to air the dissolved oxygen in water also works.

Presence of metal below iron in the metal reactivity series see the picture below : usually copper is used. Tie copper to iron. Make sure that they are in contact. The larger the surface area of contact the better. Temperature : make the iron as warm as possible. Presence of salt : explained here. In short, salt increases the conductivity of water which makes the iron rusts faster, since rusting involves electron transfer.

However, this would dissolve the rust. Improve this answer. Community Bot 1. I do not know if acid would dissolve it or not but that is asked. However, if you know what shall be the reaction of Fe2O3. I would like to know that. Basically it's just the hydroxide reacting with acid to form water, while there acid's conjugated base forms a salt with the iron.

Show 5 more comments. I put approximately 15g of iodine crystals on a plastic mesh about 2" above a steel nail. After about 18 hours I'm seeing a little rust starting to form. Rust occurs due to oxidation, a chemical process where metal atoms lose its electrons leading to the formation of ions.

And the more the electrons freely flow from iron to oxygen, the more rapid the corrosion of metals. This is why in the winter season, when rock salt is being used to melt snow, steel car bodies rust quicker than in dry seasons. Containing a dilute form of acetic acid, vinegar accelerates rusting by its positive hydrogen ions that remove electrons from iron, ionising it and making it receptive to rust.

Compared to having water alone, vinegar in water conducts electricity better as it facilitates the movement of ions and electrons during the process of rusting. While both bleach and vinegar quicken rusting, combining the two chemical substances is discouraged as the mixture releases toxic chlorine gas. All rights reserved. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY.

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