Thread: electrolysis

Has anyone tried electrolysis to remove rust?

I was thinking of submerging a razor in a mild base like sodium carbonate. Then connecting the razor to a negative lead from a DC power supply and a sacrificial piece of metal to the positive lead of the same supply. This should reduce the razor as it gains electrons and oxidize the sacrificial piece as it looses electrons. I was thinking of using aluminum foil for the sacrificial piece since aluminum oxidizes so easily. Or would it be better to use a piece of rough iron?

Paging Doctor Frankenstein. Doctor Victor Frankenstein to the Laboratory please.

X

I've haven't used electrolysis to remove rust but I've used it for it's etching properties (makes it easy to cut intricate designs).

I don' know how well it would work to remove rust seeing as rust isn't the same as normal iron and might not react the same under electrolysis. I don't know for sure, but I guess you can always just find out but testing it on something rusty that you can afford to sacrifice.

Rust is iron oxide and the iron content is very low probably in the 20% range or less depending on the degree of oxidation so I don't know if that method would remove it. Maybe some oxylic acid would be better for rust but if it eats up your razor don't blame me.

I know if you heat iron oxide up then the oxygen will leave. If you oil it while it's still hot the oxygen doesn't get back in to rust it again. What I don't know is if this happens below the temperature where the blade loses its temper...