CORROSION OF METALS

Group No. 2 CEE 12

Balinado, A., Bautista, M., Boa, J., Bognot, K., Calseña, C.

De La Salle University-Dasmariñas

Dasmariñas, Cavite Philippines

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research is to identify the root cause of the corrosion,
understand the electrochemical process behind it, and how to avoid metal corrosion. The
researchers examined six setup elements that impact corrosion. Steel wool balls were
discovered to be heavily corroded. In test tube “A” the metal got rusty with rust particles
beside the metal due to water over time. Test tube “B” got brown colored rust but with
little rust particles. Brown particles were formed in test tube “C.” The calcium chloride in
test tube D becomes liquid and orange with the brown particle scattered around the water.
The steel wool in test tube F had a color change, going from silver to a brownish hue.
This study advances our understanding of what causes metal corrosion and emphasizes
how using a sacrificial metal can help avoid corrosion. The copper-wrapped nail in
Experiment B demonstrates how magnesium strip-wrapped nails go through reduction
and how iron takes electrons from the magnesium. using copper because copper steals
electrons from the wrapped nail, oxidizing the nail is made easier and the surrounding
solution turns pink as a result. Oxidation, on the other hand, occurs on the negative side,
or anode, which is why the area around the nail in the black alligator clip turned pink,
whereas reduction occurs on the positive side, or cathode, which is why it turned blue.
When iron comes into contact with a more reactive metal, the more reactive metal
oxidizes rather than the iron, thereby preventing corrosion. It accomplishes this by
providing electrons to iron, preventing iron from losing electrons and getting oxidized.
 INTRODUCTION

Corrosion is the degradation of a material, typically a metal, due to a chemical or

electrochemical reaction with its environment. Metal corrosion occurs when a metal reacts
with its environment and forms a different compound, usually an oxide. The process is
often accelerated by the presence of moisture and certain chemicals, such as acids.
Corrosion can also be caused by physical damage to the metal surface, such as scratches
or dents, which can make it more susceptible to reaction with its environment. In general,
corrosion is an electrochemical process in which the metal acts as the anode and loses
electrons to the environment. Thus, this causes the metal to degrade and weaken over
time. The corrosion of metals can be a significant problem, as it can weaken structural
components and compromise the functionality and safety of equipment and infrastructure.

There are many distinct types of corrosion, including uniform corrosion, pitting
corrosion, crevice corrosion, and galvanic corrosion. Factors that can affect the rate and
severity of corrosion include the composition and microstructure of the metal, the
properties of the environment (such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of
specific chemicals), and the design and fabrication of the material. To prevent or mitigate
corrosion, a variety of techniques can be used, including the use of corrosion-resistant
alloys, coatings and surface treatments, cathodic protection, and careful material
selection and design.

The purpose of this research is to better understand the electrochemical process

that underlies metal corrosion and to identify the causes that lead to metal corrosion as
well as ways to prevent it. Through these tests, the researchers will also show the
significance of using a sacrificial metal in preventing corrosion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A. Factors Affecting Corrosion

Materials:

• Steel Wool (Rolled into balls)

 • Test Tubes (Six)
• Tap Water
• Test Tube Rack
• Porcelain spatula
• Sodium chloride crystals
• Heat Pad Oven
• Calcium Chloride
• Vinegar
• 0.1M H2SO4
• Oil

Method:

Make small balls of steel wool with your clean hands first. It should be small enough
to fit inside the test tube. Following that, prepare the test tubes. In Test Tube A, the steel
wool ball was inside the test tube along with 10.0mL of tap water. Tap water and a
spoonful of sodium chloride were mixed in Test Tube B until the sodium chloride was
dissolved, and then the steel wool ball was added. In Test Tube C, tap water was heated
on the heating pad first, followed by a thin layer of oil, and finally, the steel wool ball was
added. While 10.0mL of Vinegar was placed inside Test Tube E with the steel wool ball.
In the final Test Tube, F, 10.0mL of 0.1 M H2SO4 was placed inside the test tube with the
steel wool ball. After all of this, the test tubes were stored inside the locker for a week
before being inspected. The next check-up was ten days later, and on that day,
observations have been managed to gather and photographs of the setup have been
taken.

B. The Use of Sacrificial Metal in Corrosion Prevention

Materials:

• Sandpaper
• Iron Nails (4)
• Petri Dish (2)
 • Copper Wire (5cm)
• Magnesium Strip
• 9-V Battery
• Dual alligator clips wire test lead
• Distilled water
• 250mL Beaker
• Heating Pad Oven
• Agar Powder
• 0.1 M K3Fe(CN)6
• Dropper
• Pipet
• Phenolphthalein solution

Method:

To begin, the nails were thoroughly rubbed together with sandpaper. Following
that, the petri dishes were prepared, and two nails were placed inside the first petri dish
(one of the petri dishes). The copper wire was tightly wrapped around one nail, and the
magnesium strip was wrapped around the other. It was also ensured that the two nails
did not contact each other. The two other nails in the second petri dish were connected
to the positive and negative polarities of the 9-V battery. It was once again ensured that
the two nails did not come into contact with each other. After boiling the water, 1.00 g of
Agar powder was carefully added to it. The mixture was then stirred continuously. Ten
drops of 0.1 M K3Fe (CN)6 were added after the agar was completely dissolved. After
rinsing the dropper, ten drops of phenolphthalein solution were also added. When the
agar had cooled sufficiently, it must have been poured into both petri dishes and the nails
were thoroughly covered with solution. After that, the color changes that occurred during
the setup have been documented.
 DATA AND RESULTS

A. Factors Affecting Corrosion

Figure 1. Results of Set-up (A - F) in Factors Affecting Corrosion

Table 1. Observation Summary for Factors Affecting Corrosion

SAMPLES OBSERVATIONS
Test Tube A Brown particles formed around the steel wool; most of the steel wool
corroded
Test Tube B Some parts of the steel wool corroded
Test Tube C Contained greenish residue; did not corrode much
Test Tube D Produced yellowish to orange liquid
Test Tube E Slightly rusted
Test Tube F The steel wool dissolved from the solution
B. Factors Affecting Corrosion

Figure 2. Results of Set-up in the Use of Sacrificial Metal for Corrosion Prevention

Figure 3. Results of Set-up in the Use of Sacrificial Metal for Corrosion Prevention
Table 1. Observation Summary for the Use of Sacrificial Metal for Corrosion Prevention

SAMPLES OBSERVATIONS
Petri Dish 1 1. Nail wrapped with copper wire – Pink
2. Nail wrapped with magnesium strip - Blue
Petri Dish 2 1. Nail connected in Negative Polarity – Pink
2. Nail connected in Positive Polarity - Blue

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

I. Factors Affecting Corrosion

The researchers put together six test tubes and six pieces of steel wool that we
made into a ball that would fit in the test tube. After we prepare these things, we place
the necessary materials in their places and left them in our locker for a week, and here
are the results after a week:

A. Test tube A contains steel wool ball with 20mL tap water.

After a week, the steel wool ball with 20mL tap water corroded. The oxygen's
electrons may go toward the iron thanks to the water acting as an electrolyte. Rust has
corrosive qualities because of the hydrogen bond in water, which functions as an acid.

B. Test tube B contains steel wool ball with 20mL tap water, and sodium chloride.

After a week, the steel wool ball’s color became light brown and there are visible
particles that spread out which is the corroded steel wool. Saltwater is significantly more
harmful to rusting metals than water alone because sodium accelerates corrosion. Steel
wool produces heat when it corrodes. Corrosion is accelerated by sodium chloride’s ability
to function as an electrolyte.

C. Test tube C contains steel wool ball with 20mL boiled water, and thin layer of oil.

After a week, we discovered that the steel wool ball that had boiled water and a
thin layer of oil did not corrode, or nothing happened to it. Because all dissolved gases,
including oxygen, are removed when water is boiled. Since this water is oxygen-deficient,
rust does not truly happen.

D. Test tube D contains steel wool ball with calcium chloride.

After a week, the test tube that contained a steel wool ball with calcium chloride
made the calcium chloride dissolve which made it from solid to liquid form. Steel wool
corrosion might potentially be sped up by calcium chloride. If Calcium chloride is exposed
to the air, it will absorb water, which makes it dissolve. While the brown color in the liquid
is the corrosion of the steel wool.

E. Test tube E contains steel wool ball with 20mL vinegar.

After a week, we saw that the steel wool ball in the vinegar sank from the top to
the bottom. The substance that makes steel wool's protective covering falls off and
causes the steel's iron to rust is vinegar. And most of the corroded steel stayed at the top.

F. Test tube F contains steel wool ball with 20mL of 0.1 M H2SO4.

After a week, the steel wool ball with 20mL of 0.1 M H2SO4 not only changes in
color but also in its form. The color of the steel wool ball started from silver to brownish
color, and while its form has broken down, some of its parts have disappeared. Mineral
acids disintegrate the protective oil layer, and when the iron is exposed, it reacts to form
iron (II) sulfates or chlorides, which then releases the hydrogen gas.

II. The Use of Sacrificial Metal in Corrosion Prevention

The experiment demonstrates the effect of dissimilar materials on the rate of

corrosion. The iron nail wrapped in copper wire oxidizes faster due to copper being a less
reactive metal and pulling electrons away from the iron nail. In contrast, iron nails wrapped
in a magnesium strip rust at a slower rate due to magnesium being a more reactive metal
and donating electrons to the iron nail. The color change in the nails and the solution
around them is caused by the phenolphthalein indicator, which changes color in the
presence of hydroxide ions produced during the oxidation-reduction reaction. The pink
color around the anode indicates oxidation is taking place, and the blue color around the
cathode indicates reduction is taking place.

To examine oxidation and reduction on iron nails, prepare the nails by rubbing
them with sandpaper. Set up two Petri dishes, one with nails wrapped in copper wire and
magnesium strip and the other with a 9-V battery connected. Fill Petri plates halfway with
agar powder and chemicals, then cover them with nails. Photograph and record color
changes. Compare the findings of both Petri dishes to observe how oxidation and
reduction affect iron nails.

A. Petri Dish 1

The experiment's control is the nail wrapped in copper wire because copper is less
reactive than magnesium and has a lower tendency to donate electrons to iron nail.
Because the copper wire is in close proximity to the iron nail, it draws electrons away from
it, facilitating oxidation. As a result, the iron nail was covered in copper. The wire rusts
faster than the other.

While magnesium is more reactive than copper, it has a higher tendency to donate
electrons to the iron nail, making it the experimental group. On the other hand, the nail
wrapped in a magnesium strip serves as the control group. As a result of the magnesium
strip's proximity to the iron nail, the corrosion process on the iron nail is slowed. The iron
nail wrapped in a magnesium strip rusts more slowly than the other nail because the
magnesium strip rusts before the iron nail does.

B. Petri Dish 2

The nail in the black alligator clip serves as the experiment's anode, and the nail's
surrounding area has turned pink because of oxidation. While the red alligator clip's
cathode has been decreased as a result of turning blue because of the reduction.

Guide Questions:

1. What are the different factors that affect corrosion based on the set-up in part A
and how can each one be prevented?
 Rust is a type of corrosion that happens to iron or its alloys, such as steel, when
they are exposed to moisture and oxygen. A series of test tubes were prepared to study
rusting by adding different elements to steel wool. In Test Tube A, steel wool was placed
inside, and 20 ml (about 0.68 oz) of tap water was added and covered. In Test Tube B, a
spoonful of sodium chloride was added to 20 ml (about 0.68 oz) of tap water using a
porcelain spatula, and the steel wool was placed in and covered. In Test Tube C, 20 ml
(about 0.68 oz) of freshly boiled water was added, a steel wool ball was dropped in, and
then a thin layer of oil was added and covered. In Test Tube D, a half spoon of calcium
chloride was added, and the steel wool was placed in and covered. In Test Tube E, steel
wool was placed inside, and 20 ml (about 0.68 oz) of vinegar was added and covered. In
Test Tube F, steel wool was placed inside and 20 ml (about 0.68 oz) of 0.1 M H2SO4
was added.

In all the test tubes, the steel wool will rust, but the rusting process may differ from
one test tube to another. For example, in Test tube A, steel wool will rust in tap water; in
Test tube B, it will rust in salt water but at a slower rate; in Test tube C, the rusting process
may be slowed down by the presence of oil; in Test tube D, rusting in a dry environment
with calcium chloride will be slowed down or inhibited; in Test tube E, steel wool will rust
in vinegar; in Test tube F, rusting will be faster in 0.1 M sulfuric acid, but rust removal will
be aided by it.

In summary, rusting of steel wool can be prevented by protecting it from oxygen

and moisture. This can be achieved by storing the steel wool in a dry place or applying a
rust inhibitor such as oil or wax. Additionally, using corrosion inhibitors or stainless steel,
which is more resistant to rusting, can also be effective in preventing rust formation in
steel wool. In test tubes A to F, the different elements added, affect the rusting process
differently, however, the method of preventing rusting remains the same, which is by
protecting the steel wool from the elements that promote rust formation

2. Explain the electrochemical process behind the observed color changes in the
nail that is wrapped in magnesium and copper respectively.

During this laboratory activity or experiment, hexacyanoferrate is formed, where it

gives the area where iron oxidation occurs its blue color in which iron is losing electrons.
Where on the other hand the pinking of phenolphthalein is ended up causing by oxygen-
absorbing electrons. This experiment indicates that iron corrosion involves both oxidation
and reduction reactions.

3. Give the electrochemical half-reactions of iron with magnesium ribbon and

copper wire wrapped around it?

The half-reaction of iron with magnesium wire wrapped around it is Fe2+ + MgO+ + 2OH
-> Fe(aq) + Mg(OH)2.

The electrochemical half-reaction of iron with copper wire around it is Fe(s) + Cu2+(aq) -
> Fe2+(aq) + Cu (s).

4. Between magnesium and copper, which one served as sacrificial metal and what
other metals are being used to prevent the corrosion of iron?

Since magnesium has a stronger negative electrochemical potential than copper,

it was used as a sacrifice metal instead of copper. Magnesium served as the sacrificial
anode; a highly active metal utilized to stop the corrosion of a surface made of a less
active substance. As a result, copper receives electron exchanges from magnesium,
resulting in cathodic protection that prevents corrosion. As a result, copper, a less active
metal, is protected at the expense of magnesium.

CONCLUSION

Given six test tubes, steel wool will rust in every test tube, but the rate of rusting
may vary from one test tube to the next. Steel wool will rust in the following test tubes:
Test tube A, where it will rust in tap water; Test tube B, where it will rust in salt water but
at a slower rate; Test tube C, where the rusting process may be slowed down by the
presence of oil; Test tube D, where rusting in a dry environment with calcium chloride will
be slowed down or inhibited; Test tube E, where steel wool will rust in vinegar; and in Test
tube F, 0.1 M sulfuric acid will speed up rusting, but it will also help with rust removal.

To assess the effectiveness of sacrificial metal in preventing corrosion, the group

prepared two petri dishes. The experiment shows how different materials affect the rate
of corrosion. The nail in the black alligator clip serves as the experiment's anode, as
shown in the first petri dish, and its surroundings have become pink due to oxidation. The
cathode of the red alligator clip has dropped while the reduction has caused it to turn blue.
The second petri dish, on the other hand, demonstrated how the iron nail wrapped in
copper wire oxidizes faster owing to copper being a less reactive metal and drawing
electrons away from the iron nail.

REFERENCES

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(
Analytical_Chemistry)/Electrochemistry/Exemplars/Corrosion/Sacrificial_Anode

https://www.electrochem.org/corrosion-
science/#:~:text=General%20corrosion%20occurs%20when%20most,an%20oxide%20
with%20the%20metal.

https://xapps.xyleminc.com/Crest.Grindex/help/grindex/contents/Metals.htm