Rust Prevention

Have you ever wondered why rust occurs after a reaction happens with Iron? Iron is a transition metal
found in group 8 period 4. Iron has some special properties that can help us in our daily life, some of
these properties include: malleability, conductivity, and strength when combined with other
components. Each of these properties make it more suitable and fit for the job in many cases or things
we use in our daily life. There are many examples of iron in our daily life, a significant example of how we
use it in our daily life is transportation, cars and other transportation services use iron in their
manufacturing, and these transportation services (cars, trains, plains …. E.t.c) cannot work without the
presence of iron because it is what most parts of the engines are made of. Another example of how we
use iron in our daily life is in factories and manufacturing processes, the machines that work in factories
are all mostly made of iron because iron is hard and stable, and it is easy to be shaped and it can deform
or change its shape under pressure into the shape needed to perform work.

Rust is the reaction of Iron with oxygen where a compound called iron oxide forms that changes 2
properties in iron, and these properties change the color of iron to a bronze orange, and it changes the
most important property, which is the iron’s strength, so the iron weakens, and it becomes brittle and
the item that the iron is made of may collapse. The equation of rust in symbol form is Fe2O3 x H2O —>
Fe2O3. When rust occurs, specific element should be to mare this reaction possible, these elements are
water H2O and oxygen. When you leave iron is an environment that is moist and that have oxygen the
iron will rust after a short period of time, but when water is presence during the reaction then the
reaction will occur faster when water is present.
Various methods to prevent rusting include stainless steel, oiling, and paint. Stainless steel is a green
material made of iron and chromium, which is recyclable and environmentally friendly. It is long-lasting
and resistant to corrosion when exposed to oxygen and water. However, it costs 10 times more than iron
and requires frequent cleaning due to fingerprints and smudges.
Oiling is another method to maintain iron without rust. It involves applying a layer of oil on the iron to
prevent moisture and oxygen from reacting with it. This method is easy and fast, providing
comprehensive protection for all surfaces. However, it has drawbacks such as its short lifespan, potential
for evaporation in hot temperatures, and difficulty in cleaning due to messy spills.
Painting is another solution to prevent rusting on iron. It is aesthetically appealing and not expensive,
offering various colors to match the environment around it. However, it can peel over time, requiring
frequent painting and time-consuming sanding before application.
In conclusion, various methods to prevent rusting on iron have their advantages and disadvantages.
Stainless steel is a pricy and eco-friendly option, while oiling and paint are more effective and time-
consuming. Nevertheless, the choice between these methods depends on the specific needs and
preferences of the individual and their problem with rust.

From my option paint is the best method to prevent rusting on iron, as it acts as a barrier between a
metal which is iron and oxygen and moisture to prevent it from rusting. The Eiffel Tower is one example
of an iron structure that uses a painting method to prevent rusting, where a team of painters
collaborates to coat it with paint every specific period of time.
These are the advantages that made me choose paint as the best choice for rust prevention. To begin
with, as for the side of aesthetics and visually appealing designs paint is the best choice because you can
choose the color you want and the finishing of the paint that suites your usage and the design of the
environment around it, other than that you can customize the specifications of the paint you want which
also effects the appearance and aesthetics. Painting offers aesthetic benefits, as it allows for
customization of color, finishing, and specifications, affecting the appearance and aesthetics of the
building. It is also cost-effective, as it is affordable and effective. Paint acts as a barrier between metal
surfaces and the environment, preventing moisture and oxygen from reaching the surface. The lifespan
of paint varies depending on the brand and type of paint used, with some lasting from 1 to 5 years and
others 2 to 10 years.
However, maintenance is a disadvantage, as it consumes energy and time, often requiring sanding and
applying multiple layers for extra protection. Additionally, paint requires specific requirements before
painting, such as sanding and priming the metal for more effective results. Despite its environmental
impact, paint is generally affordable and cheap, making it a an affordable and effective way for rust
prevention.

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