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the quickest answer is Google "Metal Oxide Passivation" or "Passivation"
The better question is why zinc corrodes faster than iron but does not rust like iron. To understand that one has to understand what the words "rusting", "oxidation/reduction" and "corrosion" really mean.
Look them up first to understand the reason why.
And to answer your question, in the most simple and primitive way possible:
zinc does "rust" (aka "oxidizes" just like iron do). BUT zinc oxidizes in a very different fashion. Due to some special reactions with the air (first with oxygen then with CO2) zinc can create a very special protective layer around its surface. (almost like aluminium). And because zinc creates this protective layer extremely fast, and because this layer is virtually "air-tight" there is no time for the metal to "rust" and the "rusting" of zinc stops almost instantaneously.
Iron on the other hand, can not create a uniform and "air-tight" oxide layer around its surface. (you can see how "rust" on the iron always "chips off" off its surface) So once a tiny piece of rusty layer is gone, the oxidation continues underneath it.
The bottom line is:
the iron's "rust" can not protect the metal from further rusting.
the zinc's "rust" can.
Kaylah Ward
Wiki User
∙ 11y agothe quickest answer is Google "Metal Oxide Passivation" or "Passivation"
The better question is why zinc corrodes faster than iron but does not rust like iron. To understand that one has to understand what the words "rusting", "oxidation/reduction" and "corrosion" really mean.
Look them up first to understand the reason why.
And to answer your question, in the most simple and primitive way possible:
zinc does "rust" (aka "oxidizes" just like iron do). BUT zinc oxidizes in a very different fashion. Due to some special reactions with the air (first with oxygen then with CO2) zinc can create a very special protective layer around its surface. (almost like aluminium). And because zinc creates this protective layer extremely fast, and because this layer is virtually "air-tight" there is no time for the metal to "rust" and the "rusting" of zinc stops almost instantaneously.
Iron on the other hand, can not create a uniform and "air-tight" oxide layer around its surface. (you can see how "rust" on the iron always "chips off" off its surface) So once a tiny piece of rusty layer is gone, the oxidation continues underneath it.
The bottom line is:
the iron's "rust" can not protect the metal from further rusting.
the zinc's "rust" can.
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What types of metals do not rust?
I think that srtonger metals like gold do not rust. I also think that some metals, when combined with others do not rust, like when you combine iron with aluminum, it doesn't rust. By definition, the only metals that rust are iron and iron alloys. Even so, not all iron alloys rust. Stainless steel (an iron alloy) does not rust. Gold doesn't rust, in that it doesn't combine with oxygen from the atmosphere to form a surface of gold oxide. But it can tarnish, that is, for a thin transparent darker layer to form on the surface. however steel will rust. to protect a metal from rusting you must galvanzie it or paint. for example to galvanzie iron you must use a metal higher in the electrochemical series like zinc. this will protect it from rusting.
What is the raw material of zinc?
zinc ash,zinc ingot,zinc dross
What is in zinc what is in it?
Zinc is a simple element, so the only thing in zinc is zinc.
How we can make zinc powder from zinc metal-?
To make zinc powder from zinc metal, the zinc metal will have to be crushed.
Are zinc ash and zinc oxide the same?
Zinc Ash - solid particles formed by the oxidation of molten zinc fumes during zinc smelting processes. It consists of a combination of metallic zinc and zinc oxide.
What cause zinc to rust?
Zinc doesn't rust; zinc protect iron (and alloys) from rusting.
What is used to prevent rust?
zinc is used to prevent rust.
Will a galvanised nail rust in vinigar?
Yes, they will rust due to zinc.
Does zinc rust?
Zinc will absolutely corrode. In fact, will actually do so faster than many other metals. This corrosion is not called "rust", because rust can only come from iron. So, zinc does not rust, but it definitely corrodes.
What coin will rust faster in salt water?
A penny will rust faster because it made entirely of zinc with a thin outer coating of copper, and zinc is made to rust unlike nickel which is used to make nickels, dimes, etc...
What is the coding that does NT make a nail rust?
Most commonly, the coating on a nail that resists rust is zinc.
How do you protect steel from rust?
It can be protected by galvanising its surface with Zinc.
Why nut and bolt are zinc coated?
Protection against rust
Will galvanized aluminum rust?
Aluminum is not generally galvanized as the zinc would not be readily sacrificial for aluminum. There are steel products which derive rust resistance from a coating of aluminum and zinc alloy. Properly maintained, they will be rust free for 20 years or longer.
What element is coated over iron to prevent rust?
Zinc is commonly used to coat iron to prevent rust.
Name the process by which zinc metal is used to prevent rust?
galvanization.
What metal coats a galvanized nail?
In galvanized steel, a thin coating of zinc is used to protect it from rust or corrosion.
