How do you stop rusting if an iron object is already underwater?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on methods to prevent rusting of iron objects that are already submerged underwater, specifically at depths around 1000 meters. Participants explore various techniques for corrosion prevention, including traditional methods and potential alternatives suitable for underwater application.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions traditional methods of preventing corrosion, including galvanization, alloying, and painting, questioning their effectiveness when the object is already underwater.
  • Another participant suggests including sacrificial anodes, such as zinc, as a preventive measure.
  • A different participant proposes active cathodic protection as a method to slow down or stop rusting, noting the need for additional protection against microorganisms in seawater.
  • One suggestion involves wrapping the object tightly with materials like latex or rubber, and mentions that some epoxies may cure underwater, potentially with the aid of UV light.
  • Another participant encourages exploring various coatings designed for underwater application, specifically mentioning their experience with epoxies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the effectiveness of various rust prevention methods for submerged objects, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on specific conditions such as water depth, the presence of microorganisms, and the effectiveness of different materials and methods in underwater environments.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in materials science, marine engineering, or corrosion prevention may find this discussion relevant.

Mr-Keroro
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I have a bit of basic knowledge on rusting and corrosion of iron but I am trying to find ways to stop rusting. The problem is what if an object was already submerged in water? Is it still possible to stop it from rusting? I know there are 3 ways of preventing corrosion but I am not sure if there are more. There is Galvanisation, Alloying and simply applying a layer of paint over an iron or steel object but will any of these methods work if the object is already underwater(around 1000m below sea level)? If not then, are there any more methods which could possibly slow down if not stop rusting?
 
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I assume that in your list of preventive measures, you're including sacrificial anodes, like one made of Zinc for example.
 
Mr-Keroro said:
If not then, are there any more methods which could possibly slow down if not stop rusting?

How about active cathodic protection? In seawater you might need an additional protection against microorganisms.
 
You could wrap it tightly with something like latex or rubber. Some epoxys might cure underwater... perhaps with a UV light.
 
Go explore the many coatings designed to be applied under water. I only have experience with the epoxies, but there are others.
 

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