Electrolysis
 

What parts have been derusted using electrolysis, I fancy having a go tomorrow.

Peter

Anyone strong in chemistry? What reactions are going on on the electrodes?

In my limited understanding, on the cathode Na+ gets an electron, turns into metallic Na, which then reduces Fe2O3 to Fe and Na2O. This in turn reacts with water, turns into NaOH + H2. Bubbles.

On the anode, CO3-2 gets looses the charge, turns into CO2 and O2, bubbles. Right?

I think the solution must turn progressively more alkaline as CO2 escapes.

Powler - you can chuck just about anyhting metal you like in, but I wouldn't reccomend anything with bearings in. I've done drums, brake backplates, calipers, engine pulleys etc etc

Alga - I thought I read somewhere that the reaction gave off Hydrogen

This month’s CKC has a good article on the whole electrolysis/chemical de-rusting thing.

Also a picture of a rather striking bloke on page 56 (picture 38, the one on the right)

Awww, going to check the mailbox...

Nope, still empty. And it's frigging -15°C outside!

I would wait for it to turn up; it is a 5 page article with 32 pictures.:D Very good

OK, the exact chemistry is a mystery even to specialists, here's an article about it: http://www.holzwerken.de/museum/link...lanation.phtml

There was an article some time back explaining why one should not use stainless. link (about 4 posts down)

I did my sierra front and rear hubs, and have just done all four calipers - it's brilliant and will send you looking for more rusty stuff to do!

If you can, I would use a sheet of mld steel rather than strip, as you will get quicker results.

The great thing is the process won't attack good metal, so bearing surfaces etc are unaffected

Cheers

Adrian

Cheers,

Hubs here we come !!

Peter