Question

What is the mechanism of corrosion?

Answer 1

1. The chemical reaction that occurs due to the interaction of metals with their environment causes the destruction of metals.
2. The destruction of metals is a spontaneous process that causes corrosion to occur.
3. Corrosion is defined as depletion of the Iron surface in the presence of air containing Oxygen and water molecule in the form of moisture.
4. Flaky substances produced on the surface of Iron are called rust.
5. Therefore, the process is called rusting of Iron.
6. The hydrated Ferric oxide formed is called rust and the chemical reaction occurs as follows:
   $\underset{(\mathrm{Ferric}\mathrm{oxide})}{{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+{\mathrm{xH}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to \underset{\left(\mathrm{Rust}\right)}{{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3.{\mathrm{xH}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}$
7. If the upper layer of the metal is destroyed then the lower layer will be exposed directly to the environment.
8. Example: Green color deposits formed on Copper and Brass, loss in the shine of Aluminium, discoloration of Silver, etc.
9. Below showing you a picture of rusting iron:
10.