Protection of materials from rust damage is a mandatory measure before putting structures and individual parts into operation. The development of corrosion often not only damages metal surfaces, but also negatively affects the properties of adjacent materials - plastic or wood. Often, even at the factory manufacturing stage, a method is selected according to which this kind of protection will be performed. Corrosion-resistant coating can also be formed in a domestic environment using special means.
General Corrosion Treatment
Most corrosion protection agents are applied to the surface of the material, which creates a coating that is resistant to the development of negative processes. Typically, products and structures that are in close contact with moisture, soil and chemicals are subjected to such processing. Most often , anti-corrosion protection is multifunctional. That is, in addition to preventing the same rust, the coating can increase the thermal insulation properties of the object and provide a noise reduction effect.
Each tool has its own resource of action and is also destroyed during operation. This nuance is provided by the technologist in choosing a processing method. In addition, corrosion protection in itself can be an active chemical. For different metals and alloys, the most suitable protective coatings are selected from the point of view of mutual influence.
Features of rust protection
Work with metal in the field of applying protective coatings requires careful preparation. As a rule, the main works concern this particular stage. Also, unlike methods of processing other materials, the creation of a barrier to rust for metals often involves the additional use of a compound. Thus, the anti-corrosion protection with the effect of electrical insulation is already formed in the complex.
The specifics of using different types of corrosion protection is also determined by the scope of the target. If the structure is planned to be used underground, as is the case with water supply or gas pipelines, then recipes for multilayer coatings are developed that provide enhanced mechanical protection. Other requirements apply to materials that come in contact with air and water. In this case, increased attention is paid to protective insulation from moisture, steam and frost. For this, appropriate additives and plasticizers are added to the compositions.
Varieties of methods
The traditional way to protect metal from corrosion is the application of coatings to prevent rusting. These can be compositions from common decorative compositions that also perform an aesthetic function. More advanced protection methods are heat treatment and alloying. With such methods, the very structure of the material in the upper layer changes.
For example, alloying allows you to transfer metal alloys from active to passive state. Thus, corrosion protection materials naturally form a film, which is a barrier to rusting against the background of electrochemical effects. This method is good because it effectively works not only with iron and easily corroded metals, but also with stainless materials that can be deformed in aggressive environments.
Reviews on the paint and varnish protection of metals
This is the most popular way to protect metal from rust. It is valued for affordability, relatively high efficiency and flexibility in use. Nevertheless, in the long term, paint and varnish anticorrosive protection does not manifest itself in the best way. As noted by users of constructions processed in this way, it is necessary to count on a full-fledged insulation function for no more than a period of 7-8 years. Then you have to update the coating, often restoring the surface of the target material.
There are other drawbacks that users of anticorrosive coatings note. For example, a restriction in terms of use. This option is not suitable for reinforcing pipes that will be laid under water or in the ground. If the anti-corrosion protection should last more than 10 years without updating, then it makes sense to use other methods.
Electroplating Reviews
This method also applies to the traditional. It is more often used in industry and construction. According to many experts, this is the best option for processing structures designed for long-term operation. It effectively protects the metal from corrosion and other destructive processes. But it should also be remembered that anticorrosive protection of structures by the galvanic method is not cheap, requires a professional approach in implementation and in itself is a time-consuming operation.
In fact, this is a method of galvanizing, which also involves the preliminary preparation of a metal surface. Users note difficulties encountered when sandblasting and pickling. In domestic conditions, it is not practical to use this method. Although galvanic coating is much more effective in operation than paints and varnishes.
Thermal Protection Reviews
This is one of the methods aimed at changing the structure of the material in order to densify the molecules. Thermal corrosion protection of pipelines, for example, allows not only to protect metal from rust, but also to relieve stress on the structure if it is located underground.
According to users of this technique, it demonstrates high protective properties in the most severe operating conditions. True, such processing can only be realized using special industrial equipment. Furnace chambers for firing and cryogenic processes are not cheap, which explains the low popularity of this protection.