How does oil protect iron from rusting?

Answer 1

Rust works in the same was as a battery.

It requires a cathode an Anode and a path between the two.

While grease may slow the process by helping to block the path it will not prevent rust. Rust is prevented by applying a an anode to the metal, such as zinc to iron. The zinc will more readily give up it's electrons than will the iron thus preventing the rusting of the the iron Rust is the oxidation of iron. Grease simply becomes a barrier between the oxygen in the air and the iron. Other methods of this application includes oil, paint and plastic coating to prevent iron from rusting.

Answer 2

Zinc is a more reactive metal in the electrochemical series than iron. For iron to corrode it needs to react thus: Fe ---->Fe +2e- . However, zinc is more reactive and produces electrons even more easily. Zn---->Zn +2e- and these electrons suppress the production of electrons by iron. In other words, zinc sacrifices itself as an anode to cathodically protect the iron. This is known as SACP - sacrificial anode cathodic protection.

If a scratch appears in the zinc coating, the scratch quickly fills with zinc corrosion products protecting the iron. This is the basis of protecting iron or steel by galvanizing and zinc rich paints.

Some metals are more prone to corrosion than others. Zinc is more prone to oxidization than either copper or iron. It is therefore, used as a sacrificial metal which will corrode and create a protective coating of zinc oxide/hydroxide/carbonate over the iron core protected by the galvanizing. On boats with bronze propellers or iron hulls (or both), zinc bars are attached to the hull. The zinc bars corrode instead but need to be replaced regularly.

Sometimes a mild electric charge is applied, to prevent the corrosion to the hull or propellers. This is called ICCP -impressed current cathodic protection.

Answer 3

Oil creates a barrier between iron and oxygen in the air, preventing the moisture from coming into direct contact with the iron surface. This barrier inhibits the oxidation process, which is a key factor in rust formation. Therefore, oil helps to protect iron from rusting by acting as a barrier against moisture and oxygen.

Answer 4

Coating with another metal or plastic material; also painting.

Answer 5

When oil protects iron from rusting, it does so by denying the oxygen of the air access to the surface of the iron. Rust is iron oxide and can not form in the absence of oxygen.

Answer 6

oil protect iron from rusting keep your iron from becoming rust

Answer 7

Rust is oxidation. Grease prevents air (and the oxygen it contains) from getting into contact with the bare metal.