YAK PUBLIC SCHOOL

(2023-2024)

Name: Bhaavya Brajesh

Class: XII
Roll Number:
Subject: Chemistry

Topic:
Study of the Effect of Metal
Coupling on the Rusting of Iron.

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This is to certify that Miss. Bhaavya Brajesh, a student of class XII

has successfully completed the research project on the topic

“STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF METAL COUPLING ON THE RUSTING

OF IRON” under the guidance of Ms. Roshani Singh. This project is

genuine and does not indulge in plagiarism of any kind. The

references taken in making this project have been declared at the

end of the report.

Signature of Examiner Signature of Teacher

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 Acknowledgement

Foremost, I extend my gratitude to Ms. Roshani Singh, my

Chemistry teacher, who played a pivotal role in guiding me
through the completion of this project. Her invaluable advice
and assistance during challenging times were crucial, and her
ongoing motivation and support significantly contributed to
the project's successful conclusion.

Additionally, I would like to thank all the teachers who

offered valuable guidance and supplied the necessary
equipment.

I owe my success in finishing this project to my family and

friends, who provided me with their unwavering support;
without it, I wouldn't have been able to succeed.

At last, but definitely not the least, I want to express my

gratitude to all those who assisted and inspired me
throughout the course of this project.

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 INDEX

SR TOPIC PG No.
No.
5
1. Introduction

Practical Analysis 6 - 13
2.
 Prevention
 Objective
 Aim
 Requirements
 Theory
 Procedure
 Observations
 Results
 Precautions

3. 13
Conclusion
4. 14
Bibliography

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 Introduction
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Corrosion, the gradual deterioration of metals due to environmental factors, is
a phenomenon that has significant implications for various industries and
everyday applications. Among the different metals susceptible to corrosion,
iron is particularly prone to rusting, a form of corrosion that occurs when iron
reacts with oxygen and water. The rusting of iron not only affects the
structural integrity of metallic components but also has economic and
environmental repercussions. In the context of corrosion, the study of the
effect of metal coupling on the rusting of iron emerges as a crucial area of
investigation.

Metal coupling, a phenomenon in which two different metals come into

contact, creates an electrochemical cell that accelerates corrosion. This project
aims to delve into the intricate interplay between different metals and their
influence on the rusting process of iron. By understanding the underlying
mechanisms of metal coupling and its impact on corrosion, we can develop
strategies to mitigate or control rusting, thereby extending the lifespan of iron-
based materials.

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 Prevention
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1. Protective Coatings: Use paints, primers, and galvanization to create a
barrier against moisture and corrosive agents.

2. Cathodic Protection: Employ impressed current or sacrificial anode

cathodic protection to counteract electrochemical corrosion.

3. Alloying: Choose corrosion-resistant alloys like stainless steel or

aluminum.

4. Surface Modification: Passivation and anodization form protective

oxide layers on metal surfaces.

5. Desiccants and Moisture Control: Use silica gel and desiccants to

control humidity and prevent rusting.

6. Proper Design and Maintenance: Ensure proper drainage, ventilation,

and conduct regular cleaning and inspection.

7. Inhibitors: Apply corrosion inhibitors to form protective films on metal

surfaces.

8. Ceramic Coatings: Use ceramic-based coatings for durable and

corrosion-resistant surfaces.

9. Environmental Controls: Modify atmospheres to reduce oxygen or

moisture levels.

10. Polymer Coatings: Apply polymer coatings for a protective barrier

against environmental factors.

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 Objective
───────────────────
The primary objective of this study is to investigate and analyse the impact of
different metal couplings on the rusting phenomenon of iron. Through
systematic experimentation and observation, this project aims to understand
the correlation between the presence of various metal combinations and the
rate of rust formation on iron surfaces. The study seeks to contribute valuable
insights into the electrochemical processes involved in corrosion, providing a
comprehensive understanding of how metal couplings influence the
deterioration of iron and potentially identifying effective methods for corrosion
prevention.

Aim
───────────────────
The aim of this project is to investigate the effect of metal coupling on the
rusting of iron, exploring how different metal combinations influence the
corrosion process. The study aims to quantify and analyse the rate of rust
formation under various conditions, providing insights into the electrochemical
reactions involved in the corrosion of iron when coupled with different metals.
By systematically examining the impact of metal interactions, the project seeks
to identify patterns and correlations that can enhance our understanding of
corrosion mechanisms. Additionally, the aim is to contribute to the
development of practical strategies for mitigating rusting, thereby addressing
the real-world implications of corrosion on iron surfaces.

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 Requirements
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Theory
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The rusting of iron is a corrosion process that involves the electrochemical
reaction between iron, oxygen, and water. The primary theory underlying this
project revolves around the principles of electrochemical corrosion and the
influence of metal coupling on the rusting phenomenon.

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1. Electrochemical Corrosion:
Corrosion of iron is an electrochemical process where iron undergoes
oxidation to form iron ions (Fe²⁺) in the presence of oxygen and water.
This is represented by the following reaction:

+
𝐹𝑒 → 𝐹𝑒 2 + 2𝑒 −
The released electrons participate in the reduction of oxygen and water,
leading to the formation of hydroxide ions:

1
𝑂2 + 𝐻2 𝑂 + 2𝑒 − → 2𝑂𝐻 −
2
The overall corrosion reaction can be represented as:

1
𝐹𝑒 + 𝑂2 + 𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝐹𝑒(𝑂𝐻 )2
2

2. Effect of Metal Coupling:

Metal coupling, specifically in the context of galvanic corrosion, involves
the contact of dissimilar metals in the presence of an electrolyte. This
sets up an electrochemical cell, where one metal acts as the sacrificial
anode (e.g., zinc), corroding to protect the less reactive metal (e.g.,
iron), acting as the cathode. For instance, in galvanization, a layer of
zinc is applied to iron surfaces, forming a sacrificial anode that
corrodes preferentially. The sacrificial corrosion creates protective
compounds like zinc oxide, preventing rusting on the iron surface. This
understanding of metal coupling and galvanic corrosion is crucial for
evaluating corrosion risks and implementing effective preventive
measures.

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 Procedure
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• Clean the surface of iron nails with the help of sand paper. Wash them
with carbon tetrachloride and dry on filter paper.

• Wind a clean zinc strip around one nail, a clean copper wire around the
second and lastly, a clean magnesium strip around the third nail.

• Put all these nails in different petri dishes so that they are not in contact
with one another.

• Prepare agar-agar solution —

i. Heat about 3 grams of agar-agar in 100 ml of water taken in a
beaker, until the solution becomes clear.
ii. Add about 1ml of 0.1 potassium ferricyanide solution, 1ml of
phenolphthalein solution and stir the contents well.

• Fill the petri dishes with the hot agar-agar solution in such a way that only
lower half of the nails are covered with the liquid.

• Cover and keep the petri dishes undisturbed for one day or so.

• The liquid sets to a gel on cooling. And two different types of patches are
formed around the rusted nails. They are observed to be (i) blue or (ii)
pink.

• Blue patches indicate the reaction between ferrous ions and potassium
ferricyanide to form potassium ferrocyanide - 𝐾4 [𝐹𝑒 (𝐶𝑁) 6].

• Whereas the pink patch is due to the formation of hydroxyl ions which
turns colorless phenolphthalein to pink.

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 Observation
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Sr Metal Color of
No. Pair patch Rusting
01 Iron-Zinc Pink No
02 Iron-Copper Blue Yes
03 Iron-Magnesium Pink No
04 Iron-Nail Blue Yes

Result
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The experiment aimed to investigate the influence of different metal pairings
on the rusting of iron. The observations revealed distinct color changes in the
patches formed around the iron nails when coupled with various metals. The
results are summarized as follows:

Iron-Zinc Pair (Color: Pink, Rusting: No): The pink patch suggests a reaction
leading to the formation of hydroxyl ions, indicating a less conducive
environment for rusting. Zinc, in this pairing, appears to act as a protective
agent, preventing rust formation on the iron surface.

Iron-Copper Pair (Color: Blue, Rusting: Yes): The blue patch indicates the
formation of potassium ferrocyanide - 𝐾4 [𝐹𝑒 (𝐶𝑁)6 ], suggesting an
electrochemical reaction between ferrous ions and potassium ferricyanide.

In this case, rusting is observed, implying that copper may not provide
effective protection against corrosion.

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Iron-Magnesium Pair (Color: Pink, Rusting: No): Similar to the Iron-Zinc pair,
the pink patch suggests a hindrance to rust formation. Magnesium, in this
configuration, appears to play a protective role against corrosion on the iron
surface.

Iron-Nail Control (Color: Blue, Rusting: Yes): The blue patch indicates the
formation of potassium ferrocyanide, similar to the Iron-Copper pair. Rusting is
observed, serving as a baseline for comparison with the experimental pairs.

The observed color changes in the agar-agar patches around the nails provide
valuable insights into the effectiveness of different metal couplings in
preventing or promoting rusting on iron surfaces. These findings contribute to
our understanding of galvanic corrosion and can have practical implications for
corrosion prevention strategies.

Precautions
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1. Safety Gear: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment,
including gloves and safety goggles, to ensure safety during the
handling of chemicals and materials.

2. Ventilation: Perform the experiment in a well-ventilated area to

disperse any fumes that may arise from the use of chemicals.

3. Handling Chemicals: Exercise caution while handling chemicals such as

carbon tetrachloride, potassium ferricyanide, and phenolphthalein.
Follow proper laboratory safety protocols for chemical storage, use, and
disposal.

4. Avoid Contact: Avoid direct contact with skin or eyes when using
chemicals. In case of accidental contact, rinse immediately with plenty
of water and seek medical attention if necessary.

5. Agar-Agar Solution: Be cautious when heating the agar-agar solution to

prevent burns. Use proper heat-resistant equipment and handle hot
liquids with care.

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 6. Petri Dishes: Ensure that the petri dishes are clean and free from
contaminants to maintain the integrity of the experiment.

7. Preparation Area: Set up the experiment on a stable and level surface

to prevent accidental spills or disruptions.

8. Observation Period: Allow the petri dishes to cool and set undisturbed
for the specified observation period. Avoid unnecessary disturbances to
obtain accurate results.

9. Handling Nails and Metal Strips: Handle iron nails, zinc strips, copper
wire, and magnesium strips with care. Use appropriate tools to wind
the metals around the nails, and ensure they are clean and free from
contaminants.

10. Disposal: Dispose of chemicals and experimental materials following

local regulations and guidelines. Consider the environmental impact of
disposal methods.

Conclusion
───────────────────
The experiment investigated the impact of different metal pairings on the
rusting of iron. The observed color changes in agar-agar patches provided
valuable insights into the corrosion behaviour. Zinc demonstrated protective
properties, evident by the pink patch, suggesting hindrance to rusting. Copper,
on the other hand, resulted in a blue patch, indicating rust formation.
Magnesium displayed protective characteristics similar to zinc. These findings
highlight the varying effectiveness of metal couplings in preventing or
promoting rusting on iron surfaces. The experiment contributes to the
understanding of galvanic corrosion and offers practical insights for corrosion
prevention strategies.

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 Bibliography
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1. Comprehensive Laboratory Manual in Chemistry Class XII
2. https://wikipedia.org
3. https://www.academia.edu
4. https://chembam.com/
5. https://edu.rsc.org/
6. https://scholar.google.com

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