The Main Causes of Rust in Stainless Steel and Methods of Treatment

Stainless steel, known as stainless and acid-resistant steel, is a type of steel capable of resisting the corrosion of weakly corrosive media such as air, steam and water, as well as chemical media such as acids, alkalis and salts. Stainless steel is a very strong corrosion-resistant alloy steel, corrosion resistance mainly from its chemical composition, the most important is chromium (Cr), it will form a passivation layer when exposed to air to prevent further corrosion.

What are the main factors of stainless steel rust?

1. Surface pollution

Stainless steel surface contaminated by oil, dust and other organic matter, will destroy the protective film, making the metal exposed to the air leading to rust.

2. Mechanical damage

Stainless steel surface is subject to mechanical scratches or abrasion, will also destroy the protective film, while exposing the metal, resulting in rust.

3. Corrosive substances

If the use of the environment contains ammonia, acid, salt and other corrosive substances, it will directly destroy the protective film on the surface of stainless steel, resulting in rust.

4. Material impurities

Stainless steel material itself impurities, such as excessive carbon content, impurities of sulfur, phosphorus, etc., easy to form a variety of compounds at high temperatures and high pressures, reducing the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, causing rust.

5. Chlorine ion influence

The presence of chloride ions in the use of the environment, such as salt, sweat, seawater, sea air, soil, etc., will require the use of stainless steel, and need to be frequently wiped to remove dust, keep clean and dry.

6. Insufficient solid solution treatment

No solid solution treatment, the alloying elements are not dissolved into the matrix, resulting in low alloy content of the matrix organisation, poor corrosion resistance.

7. Intergranular corrosion

This material does not contain titanium and niobium has a tendency to intergranular corrosion. Add titanium and niobium, coupled with stabilisation treatment, can reduce intergranular corrosion.

Stainless steel rust spots how to deal with?

1. Physical removal method

Use tools such as a cleaning cloth (white cleaning cloth), toothbrush, nano sponge wipe (magic wipe), with water or neutral detergent, wipe along the stainless steel texture direction to remove rust stains. For more stubborn rust, you can use sandpaper or stainless steel brush to sand, and then rinse with water.

2. Chemical treatment method

Use commercially available stainless steel rust remover cream and follow the product instructions. Rust removal cream can help remove rust and form a protective film on the surface of stainless steel. Pay attention to wear protective gloves when using, and ensure that the operating environment is well ventilated.

3. Acid washing method

You can use oxalic acid, acetic acid and other acidic substances to treat rusty stainless steel. These acidic substances can react with the rust and turn it into soluble substances, so as to achieve the purpose of removing rust. After treatment, you need to rinse thoroughly with water and take measures to prevent rusting again.

4. Professional treatment method

For some rust stains that are difficult to deal with on your own, you can seek professional stainless steel cleaning services. Professionals will use professional equipment and agents for treatment to achieve better cleaning results.

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