3 ms·
Can rusted parts be recycled by reversing the process using energy ?
by newyankee 4y ago
Can rusted parts be recycled by reversing the process using energy ?
- joecool1029 4y agoYes, I don't know if it's done commercially but the general idea is to heat and melt the rusted parts in a reducing atmosphere. What can be done commercially for rusted stuff (cars and such) is to apply rust converters that convert the iron oxide layer on the outside into a stable primer so it seals the outside of the metal from oxidizing further.
- awestroke 4y agoThe problem with that is that there will probably be rust and moisture deeper down underneath the new paint that will continue the rust process, cracking the paint and allowing more water, salt and air in
- TEP_Kim_Il_Sung 4y agoMolar mass of Iron Fe =55.845 g/mol Molar mass of Rust Fe2O3 =159.7 g/mol Rust weighs in around 3x more than bare metal, so that makes this primer one expensive fuel guzzling choice.
- TomJansen 4y agoThat is why I always go to the toilet before driving
- simonh 4y agoOnce it’s been converted to primer it’s not rust anymore. Still probably heavier than the metal, but eh. Get a haircut.
- smoyer 4y agoMore but not three times as much according to your molecular weights (there are two iron atoms in the rust molecules)
- TEP_Kim_Il_Sung 4y agoYup. While I failed chemistry, I still remember most relevant stuff.
- mannykannot 4y agoThere are ways to turn rust back to iron, but what you get back is not the original strong steel piece, it is a spongy form of iron that immediately rusts in air.
- NullPrefix 4y agoCan it be smelted into proper iron?
- Haga 4y ago[dead]