Corrosion occurs predominantly in areas with limited oxygen availability, such as the submerged portions of a nail, due to the presence of groundwater which facilitates the rusting reaction. The chemical equation for rust formation is 4Fe + 2H2O + 3O2 -> 4FeO(OH). Notably, significant corrosion from dry oxygen requires temperatures around 300°C, indicating that moisture plays a critical role in the corrosion process. This discussion clarifies the misconception that more oxygenated areas would lead to increased rusting.
PREREQUISITESMaterials scientists, corrosion engineers, and anyone involved in the maintenance and protection of metal structures will benefit from this discussion.
The rusting reaction in case of nail and ground do include groundwater in addition to oxygen.Arceus74 said:Summary:: I cannot conceptualize on how corrosion does not occur in more oxygenated areas. Consider a nail partially immersed underground. Why does the rust form where the iron which is exposed to the least oxygen and not the other way around?
Kindly explain. Thanks in advance.
Thanks
trurle said:The rusting reaction in case of nail and ground do include groundwater in addition to oxygen.
4Fe+2H2O+3O2->4FeO(OH)
For noticeable corrosion of iron by dry oxygen, temperature of about 300C is required.