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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Rust rate vs. temperature

2007

Theoretically if I had a 2 iron samples in water at different temperatures one cold & one relatively hot which one would rust greater/faster/more? (assuming that the two samples are identical in every way except for temperature).

I figure that the one in cold water should corrode faster because more oxygen can be dissolved into the water at lower temperatures. I've tried to find info on this on the internet for ages and all I keep getting is "temperature affects corrosion" which is not very helpful.

So could someone please elaborate?

Josiah W
student - Sydney, Australia

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2007

It is true that there is more dissolved oxygen at lower temperatures, and that this should tend to increase the rate of rusting, Josiah. But is is also true that chemical activity increases at higher temperatures.

So now you have these two opposing forces and the question is which is more powerful. So one simple experiment is to try to rust the iron in a refrigerator vs. out on a countertop. Please try it and let us know what you find. Thanks!

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey