# Rust converter

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{{Short description|Type of useful chemical solution}}
'''Rust converters''' are chemical solutions or [primers](/source/Primer_(paint)) that can be applied directly to an iron or [iron alloy](/source/steel) surface to convert iron oxides ([rust](/source/rust)) into a protective chemical barrier. These compounds interact with iron oxides, especially [iron(III) oxide](/source/iron(III)_oxide), converting them into an adherent black layer ([black oxide](/source/black_oxide)) that is more resistant to moisture and protects the surface from further [corrosion](/source/corrosion). They are sometimes referred to as "rust remover" or "rust killer".

==Typical ingredients==
Commercial rust converters are water-based and contain two primary active ingredients: [tannic acid](/source/tannic_acid)<ref>{{cite web|title=Rust Conversion Mechanism|url=http://corrosion-doctors.org/MetalCoatings/rust-converter.htm}}</ref> and an organic [polymer](/source/polymer). Tannic acid chemically converts the reddish iron oxides into bluish-black ferric tannate, a more stable material.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/tannic-acid-rusted-iron-artifacts.html|title=Tannic Acid Coating for Rusted Iron Artifacts, formerly published under the title Tannic Acid Treatment – Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Notes 9/5 - Canada.ca|website=www.canada.ca|date=14 September 2017}}</ref> The second active ingredient is an organic solvent such as [2-butoxyethanol](/source/2-butoxyethanol) (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, trade name butyl cellosolve) that acts as a [wetting agent](/source/wetting_agent) and provides a protective primer layer in conjunction with an organic polymer emulsion.{{citation needed|date=October 2012}}

Some rust converters may contain additional acids to speed up the chemical reaction by lowering the [pH](/source/pH) of the solution. A common example is [phosphoric acid](/source/Phosphoric_acid), which additionally converts some iron oxide into an inert layer of [ferric phosphate](/source/ferric_phosphate).<ref>{{cite web|last=Maltby|first=Susan L.|title=Rust Converters|url=http://www.alan.net/prgshoptips/rustconv.html|publisher=Old-House Journal|accessdate=24 June 2012|date=November 1998|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20010508064152/http://www.alan.net/prgshoptips/rustconv.html|archivedate=8 May 2001}}</ref> Most of the rust converters contain special additives.<ref>[https://www.schwegmannnet.de/pdf/broschueren/lack/en/corrosion_protection_en.pdf SchwegmannNet.de: Corrosion Protection of Metallic Surfaces]. Retrieved 29 October 2019.</ref> They support the rust transformation and improve the wetting of the surface.

thumb|Applied rust converter

==Uses==
Rust converter is usually applied to objects that are difficult to [sand blast](/source/Abrasive_blasting), such as vehicles, trailers, fences, iron railings, sheet metal, and the outside of storage tanks. It may also be used to restore and preserve iron-based items of historical importance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncptt.nps.gov/blog/materials-research-program-begins-rust-convertor-study/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517132854/http://ncptt.nps.gov/blog/materials-research-program-begins-rust-convertor-study/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 17, 2013|title=NCPTT - Materials Research Program Begins Rust Converter Study|website=www.ncptt.nps.gov}}</ref>

==See also==
*[Bluing (steel)](/source/Bluing_(steel))
*[Phosphate conversion coating](/source/Phosphate_conversion_coating)
*[Parkerizing](/source/Parkerizing)

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.mnhs.org/preserve/conservation/reports/iron_bells.pdf "The Conservation of Two Cast Iron Bells at the Lac Qui Parle Mission Historic Site" (PDF, 131 kB)]

Category:Coatings
Category:Corrosion prevention
Category:Metal plating
Category:Metalworking

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Rust converter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust_converter) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust_converter?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.