Rust Removal

[Freeland]

Hello,

Just to inform you that using caustic soda offers no advantage whatsoever over your basic washing soda when it comes to the rust removal process via electrolysis. The "soda" is only needed to improve conduction and the washing soda does just that. Using caustic soda develops toxic fumes to a certain degree in the process, it is more expensive (when using large quantities), it is dangerous to skin and eyes and if you're a tree-hugger, is bad news for the environment.

Just my 2 cents

Greetings,

Marco

[CrossedCannons]

Just to inform you that using caustic soda offers no advantage whatsoever over your basic washing soda when it comes to the rust removal process via electrolysis. The "soda" is only needed to improve conduction and the washing soda does just that. Using caustic soda develops toxic fumes to a certain degree in the process, it is more expensive (when using large quantities), it is dangerous to skin and eyes and if you're a tree-hugger, is bad news for the environment.

Marco,

Greetings.

A little chemistry for you, if conductivity were the chief issue, why not use plain salt (sodium chloride)?

Actually, sodium hydroxide is a better electrolyte than sodium carbonate when used here, both being MUCH better than NaCl. That's why professional restorer's of artifacts for museums use reagent grade caustic soda and not an OTC product like Arm & Hammer Washing Soda purchased from the local Piggly Wiggly like the rest of us. Using NaOH, a higher pH can be maintained to suppress the generation of hydrogen gas, a reaction which serves only to waste electricity in the reduction of iron oxides to metallic iron, itself an enironmentally unfriendly act.

It is a bit more dangerous to handle (splash hazard) but no "toxic fumes" arise from its use, and it is no more or less environmentally unfriendly when neutralized (prior to disposal down the municipal drain).

Happy D-Rusting