How is corrosion different from rusting?  

People often use the terms corrosion and rust interchangeably, but they are different. Corrosion and rust form through different processes and have unique characteristics. In this blog, we will understand how is corrosion different from rusting to develop effective strategies to save metal objects.

What is rust?  

Rust is a specific form of corrosion that only affects iron and its alloys, such as steel components. Rust occurs when an iron object comes in contact with oxygen and moisture in the environment. The chemical process of rust involves the oxidation of iron that forms a reddish-brown layer on the surface of iron known as rust.  

Rust does not only affect the appearance of iron-based materials but it also deploys the structural integrity over time. Rusting is a common problem in our day-to-day life and it can be cured using some rust preventatives and best practices.  

What is corrosion? 

Corrosion causes slow damage to metals when they react with air, water or chemicals. Corrosion causes metal to change and break down over time. Rusting happens only when iron reacts with water and air but corrosion can happen to various materials. It can damage things like metal pipes, cars and bridges. But as rust, corrosion can also be prevented by using some special paints and coatings.  

How to prevent rust and corrosion in metals?  

As we have already discussed preventing rust and corrosion is important because it not only weakens the metal but also but also causes money losses due to repair and replacement of damaged parts. So it is better to implement effective strategies to prevent rust and corrosion than wasting money on corrosion life long.

Methods to prevent rust and corrosion 

• Protective Coatings  

Applying protective coatings on metal objects is one of the most effective methods to prevent rust and corrosion. These coatings create a barrier between the metal and the environmental elements that cause rust and corrosion such as moisture and oxygen.  

These protective coatings include paints, varnishes and specialised rust-resistant coatings like Suprabha’s eco-friendly SOVCI® Rustopliq which uses water as a base to prevent corrosion. 

• Galvanisation 

We coat metal with a layer of zinc in the galvanization process, usually for iron or steel. The zinc coating acts as a shield against water and air. Even if the zinc layer gets scratched, it still protects the metal because zinc rusts first and keeps the main metal safe.

We use galvanized metals in many outdoor and industrial applications because they are more durable and resist rust-causing elements.

• Use of rust inhibitors 

Rust inhibitors are chemicals that slow down the oxidation process and prevent rust formation. Suprabha Protective Products Pvt. Ltd. excels in this area with its advanced VCI (Vapour Corrosion Inhibitor) technology and offers several products like SOVCI® Surface Treatment Liquid and Rustopowder & Desiccant, which are innovated to protect metal surfaces by inhibiting rust formation.  

Suprabha offers a wide range of rust inhibitors that include VCI films, VCI papers, and VCI coatings. These products are completely safe and environmentally friendly as Suprabha is the first organic VCI manufacturer in the world.  

• Cathodic Protection 

We use this method to protect metal items submerged in water or buried underground. In this method, we attach a more easily corroded metal to the item we want to protect from rust and corrosion

The easily corroded metal is known as “sacrificial” metal that rusts instead of the main metal. This process ensures that the protected metal remains intact and corrosion-free.  

We use cathodic protection to guard large metal structures like ship hulls, pipelines, and storage tanks from rust. These structures face harsh environmental conditions that can cause rust to form quickly.

• Environmental control  

Controlling the environment around metal is an effective way to reduce the risk of corrosion. Environmental control includes managing humidity, temperature and exposure to corrosive chemicals. Humidity is the primary cause of rust and by reducing humidity levels we can prevent moisture from setting on metal surfaces. Use desiccants and dehumidifiers to keep the environment dry. The condensation of water on metals can be minimised by controlling temperature. Additionally, we can get rid of moisture by providing proper ventilation.

• Regular maintenance and inspection 

Regular inspection can detect the rust earlier and it can be cured easily. Checking metal items regularly can help find rust quickly and we can add more protective coating in time if needed. Doing this inspection can keep metal objects in good condition for a longer time.  

Suprabha offers a corrosion solution provider program to help their clients by providing detailed inspection and maintenance plans. These plans include thorough checks, reports with proper guidance on what to do and ongoing monitoring to keep everything in good condition. By following Suprabha’s plans, companies can make their metal items last longer and save money on repairs.  

Conclusion  

Prevention of rust and corrosion is important to maintain the safety and functionality of metal objects. Methods such as protective coatings, galvanisation, cathodic protection and rust inhibitors can help you save money on rust and corrosion.  

Suprabha Protective Products Pvt. Ltd. is working to make India corrosion-free and provide a wide range of eco-friendly solutions to help industries protect their precious metal assets effectively. 

FAQS 

Q.1 Can stainless steel rust? 

Yes, stainless steel can rust but it is less likely to rust than regular steel. Stainless steel contains chromium which helps resist rust.  

Q.2 How do you prevent rusting of iron?  

We can remove rusting of iron by using protective coatings like paint or rust-resistant primer to protect it from moisture and air. Rust inhibitors and VCI products can also used to create a barrier that prevents rust formation.  

Q.3 Are corrosion and rusting same? 

Corrosion and rusting are interchangeable but not the same. Corrosion is a broader term that refers to the deterioration of any metal due to chemical reactions with the environment whereas rusting is the corrosion of iron and its alloys like steel resulting in the formation of iron oxide.

Also Read: Best rust protection spray to prevent corrosion by Suprabha