Rust calls on rust; the chemical process of rusting is a self-accelerating process. You can call it a recursive process. Let's learn how it happens:
Rust is a result of reaction between water and iron in presence of oxygen. Rust is a series of iron oxides which is porous and larger in size. As a result, it lets water and oxygen access the deeper part of the iron and the entire metal falls prey to corrosion.
Once rusting begins, it is difficult to put a stop. Hence, the best way to protect iron products is by insulating them properly. Once rusting begins, you need to clean rust completely; if traces of rust are left, it will corrode the rest of the metal.
What is rust - chemical explanation:
Rust is hydrated iron oxide. It appears as brownish coating over the surface of iron products. Oxygen, water and iron react to form this compound.
Rusty metal is weak and fragile. Rust leaves ugly stains on the surfaces in contact. Machine parts, instruments, automobile parts and any other item made of iron are susceptible to rust.
Hope you have realized why it is more important to protect metals from rusting. Once metal products start to rust, it will not stop until the entire tool is eaten. Hence, you need to be alert from the beginning. If somehow rusting begins you need rust treatment immediately.
How to prevent rusting:
Keep water and moisture away from your iron product and it will not rust. Iron rusts when it comes into contact with water; revoke the main chemical agent and the reaction will not take place at all.
Now, moisture and oxygen are everywhere; so how to stop them to come into contact with the metal? Let's coat the surface of the metal with an insulating material that would not allow moisture, water and oxygen to penetrate in.
As we all know that oil and water repel each other, grease and oil can be a good insulating material for metals. Apply oil, grease, primer or any other oil-based emulsion all over the metal surface to stop rusting.
You can get many rust proof coating in market. However, the problem begins when the coating peels off. Rusting can start from a small bare metal surface. Then the entire coating gets removed easily and the iron is exposed.
Hence, even a minute hole should be resealed as early as possible. Re-sealing is done by painting rust-proof emulsion or through chemical or mechanical process.
How to choose anti-rust emulsion or solution:
The nature of the coat should be chosen keeping in mind where it is going to be used. If you are going to apply the coating on the metal parts of a food packaging machine, the emulsion should not contain anything toxic.
Rustproof emulsions that are going to be used on machineries should be non-flammable as well; otherwise you chance the risk of accidents. Top of all, the product must be environment-friendly. Look for biodegradable and natural rustproof emulsions.
Rust Cleaning:
To clean rust from metals, use organic rust remover. You do not need to put any effort when you use spray based rust cleaners.
Remember, how laborious it is to remove rust with sandpapers! With organic rust removers you can get rid of rust without any mechanical work.