Advantages, disadvantages and step-by-step instructions for removing rust by electrolysis

Dealing with rust and not damaging the metal surface is not an easy task.

The mechanical method of removing it leads to scratches on the product, and chemical reagents provoke oxidation processes, as a result of which the part will rust even more in the future.

A safe and relatively simple way to combat rust is to remove it by electrolysis. Read the article to learn how effective this method is and how to implement it correctly in practice.

Is the method effective?

Electrolysis really helps with rust. It is a mixture of iron oxides and hydroxides, which are formed when the metal comes into contact with water and oxygen.

Without delving into complex chemical processes, we can say that the method allows you to reverse the oxidative reaction and restore previously damaged areas.

Correctly, this method of fighting rust is not called electrolysis, but the electrogalvanic method. It is used not only in everyday life, for personal needs, but also for a more serious purpose, for example, in the restoration of archaeological finds.

Pros and cons of cleaning

Electrolysis, as a method of combating rust, is absolutely safe. The electrolyte solution is not poisonous, but should not be ingested.

The gases released are not toxic. The currents used are of low frequency, so they cannot cause harm to health.

Another advantage of the method is that there is no risk of damaging the part. Even if you keep it in the solution, nothing bad will happen; the self-healing process will not reverse because of this.

In comparison with mechanical and chemical methods of rust removal, electrolysis has one very important advantage. This method does not affect “living metal”, that is, one that has not yet undergone changes.

Abrasives, brushes, acids and other aggressive methods inevitably lead to the fact that some part of the undamaged metal will be removed, but this does not happen during electrolysis.

In addition, you will have to spend some time not only on preparatory measures, but also on the cleaning itself.

Rules for removing plaque at home

To remove rust from a metal surface by electrolysis, you will need:

• a suitable plastic container, such as a bucket or basin;
• a steel or stainless steel plate that will act as an electrode - it is better to give preference to stainless steel, since it will last much longer than ordinary metal; it is good if the plate completely surrounds the perimeter of the part being cleaned;
• ordinary tap water;
• soda ash - it is sold in household chemicals departments; housewives use it to wash things;
• battery charger.

To prepare the solution you will need 3 water and 1 teaspoon of soda. The procedure is as follows:

1. The prepared solution is poured into the container.
2. An electrode is lowered into it.
3. Immerse the part that needs cleaning into the solution. This is done in such a way that it does not touch the electrode.
4. Connect the power. Polarity must be strictly observed. The electrode must be connected to the positive “+” conductor, and the object to be cleaned to the negative “-”. Contact with parts must be good.
5. After completing all preparatory manipulations, turn on the power. If the charger is equipped with an ammeter, you can see how the system begins to pass current.
6. After a short time, bubbles will appear on the part. This is completely normal and indicates that the cleaning process has started.
7. The duration of the procedure depends on a number of factors. The size of the part and the electrode, as well as the area of ​​rust, matters. Periodically, the system must be turned off, the product removed from the solution and inspected. The average duration of cleaning is 5-6 hours. If the object is covered with a very thick layer of plaque, you can leave it to soak overnight.
8. When the cleaning process is completed, the part is removed, washed under running water and inspected. If there are small areas of rust left on the product, they can be cleaned off with a plastic scraper.

Helpful information

To ensure that the process of removing rust from metal by electrolysis is as successful as possible, The following tips should be taken into account:

1. The part should only be processed in a plastic container. Metal buckets or basins are not suitable for this purpose.Their use carries the risk of short circuits or holes.
2. If there is pitting corrosion on the product, you should not try to remove it by electrolysis. The electrolyte is not able to penetrate the thickness of the metal.
3. Once processing is complete, no special disposal measures need to be taken. The solution is simply poured into the sewer; this will not cause any harm to the environment.

Video on the topic of the article

The video will show you how to remove rust by electrolysis:

Conclusion

Electrolysis helps to quickly and safely remove traces of rust. This method is easy to use and does not harm the product, unlike chemical or mechanical cleaning. If you have a battery and suitable capacity, it will cost practically nothing. You will only have to spend money on caustic soda.