pontiacgp said:
I have used this method to remove rust and it does work...I would never think it would but I tried it just to see if it does and I was surprised...
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/rust/ ... usting.htm
as a electro-chemical chemist , i understand the process that they are using, when rust (aka iron oxide, iron III oxide) forms pure iron gives up an electron pair and readily bonds with oxygen. To "remove" the oxide , with a electrolyte solution , you are providing a "pathway" for ion / electron exchange. The gas bubbles formed are hydrogen gas(H2) and oxygen (O2). in this case you are performing the opposite of electroplating, so the electrolyte in this case would have a basic PH, something like sodium bicarbonate would work well and isn't as harmful if you get it on your skin like lye ( it will cause chemical burns). A good power supply source will help too with a high potential ( voltage) rating , you can monitor the effectiveness of the electrolyte by the current.
