Electrolysis

[alga]

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.

[davidimurray]

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

[gingea1pom]

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)

[alga]

Awww, going to check the mailbox...

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

[gingea1pom]

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

[alga]

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

[Land Locked]

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