We usually think of rust as the orange-brown flakes that form on an exposed steel surface when iron molecules in the metal react with oxygen in the presence of water to produce iron oxides. Metals may also react in the presence of acids or harsh industrial chemicals. If nothing stops the corrosion, flakes of rust will continue to break off, exposing the metal to further corrosion until it disintegrates.
Check out our selection of Corrosion Resistant Metals at IMS!
Corrosion Resistant Metal Options
Not all metals contain iron, but they can rust or tarnish in other oxidizing reactions. To prevent oxidation and breakdown of metal products, such as handrails, tanks, appliances, roofing, or siding, you can choose metals that are “rust-proof” or, more accurately, “corrosion-proof.” Four basic types of metals fall into this category:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel types, such as304or316, are a mix of elements, and most contain some amount of iron, which quickly oxidizes to form rust. But many stainless steel alloys also have a high percentage of chromium – at least 18 percent – which is even more reactive than iron. The chromium oxidizes quickly to form a protective layer of chromium oxide on the metal surface. This oxide layer resists corrosion while preventing oxygen from reaching the underlying steel. Other elements in the alloy, such as nickel and molybdenum, add to its rust resistance.
Aluminum Metal
Since it’s lightweight and corrosion-resistant, many aircraft, car and bike parts utilizealuminum for manufacturing. Aluminum alloys contain almost no iron, and without iron, the metal will not rust, but it will oxidize. When the alloy is exposed to water, aluminum oxide film forms quickly on the surface. The hard oxide layer is resistant to further corrosion and protects the underlying metal.
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Copper,Bronze, andBrass
These three metals contain little or no iron and do not rust, but they can react with oxygen. Copper oxidizes over time to form a green patina, protecting the metal from further corrosion. Bronze is a mixture of copper and tin and small amounts of other elements and is naturally much more resistant to corrosion than copper. Brassmetals are alloys of copper, zinc, and other factors, resisting corrosion.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steeltakes a long time to rust, but it will eventually rust. This type is carbon steel that has been galvanized or coated with a thin layer of zinc. The zinc acts as a barrier preventing oxygen and water from reaching the steel, providing advanced corrosion protection. Even if the zinc coating is scratched off, it protects nearby areas of the underlying steel through cathodic conservation and by forming a protective layer of zinc oxide. Likealuminum, zinc is highly reactive to oxygen in the presence of moisture, and the coating prevents the iron in the steel from further oxidation.
Industrial Metal Supply carries a wide range of rust-resistantmetalsfor various applications.
Your Local Metal Supplier Serving Southern CA, Arizona & Northern Mexico
Industrial Metal Supply is the Southlands largest supplier of all types ofmetalandmetalworking accessories, including rust prevention products. All metals are manufactured from high-quality rust preventative materials, combined with premium metal finishes that provide extended rust protection to ensure the preservation of your metal for years of service.
For more rust prevention information, check out our blog on 6 tips for preventing rust.
FAQs
Platinum, gold & silver
Known as the precious metals, platinum, gold and silver are all pure metals, therefore they contain no iron and cannot rust. Platinum and gold are highly non-reactive, and although silver can tarnish, it is fairly corrosion-resistant and relatively affordable by comparison.
Which metal doesn't rust or corrode? ›
Platinum, gold & silver
Known as the precious metals, platinum, gold and silver are all pure metals, therefore they contain no iron and cannot rust. Platinum and gold are highly non-reactive, and although silver can tarnish, it is fairly corrosion-resistant and relatively affordable by comparison.
What are 2 metals resistant to corrosion? ›
Gold and platinum are highly resistant to corrosion. They are the least reactive metals and therefore, they do not react with air, water, acids, alkalis and other gases in the environment.
What type of metals do not corrode easily? ›
Gold and Platinum are the metals which do not corrode easily. Since they are unaffected by oxygen and other acids, they do not corrode visibly and are more stable than many of their compounds, such as oxides and sulphides. They were given the name noble metals because of their lack of chemical reactivity.
Which metal is resistant to corrosion? ›
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel alloys are renowned for the corrosion-resistance, ductility, and high strength. Corrosion resistant qualities in stainless steels are directly tied to their chromium and nickel content — more of these elements correlate with increased resistance.
Which metal is most corrosion resistant? ›
Corrosion-resistant metals can be a crucial part of any engineering project. The most popular solutions are stainless steel, aluminum alloy, nickel alloys, and copper alloys. However, iridium is the most corrosion-resistant metal known to man.
What are the 5 metals which easily corrode? ›
The metals which easily corrode is copper,magnesium, aluminum, iron, zinc,allow and tin.
Do all the metals rust? ›
Rust only happens to iron-based metals. The most common type of rust is, surprise surprise, common rust. It's a form of iron oxide, which relies on a chemical reaction where energy is transferred between atoms; namely the iron in the metal and moisture from the air.
Which metal is rust free iron? ›
The Correct answer is Chromium. Stainless steel is a group of iron-based alloys. It contains approximately 11% chromium in a composition. Chromium prevents the iron from rusting and also provides heat-resistant properties.
What are the four types of resistant materials? ›
Resistant materials are often sub categorised. For example, hardwood and softwood, thermosetting and thermoplastics, alloys and pure metals.
Does Aluminium Corrode? While aluminium doesn't rust, it does corrode. The aluminium oxide coating is highly resistant and renews itself if damaged keeping the metal relatively safe from corrosion. But some factors can cause the coat to become unstable, thus exposing the metal.
Which metals rust? ›
Only iron can rust. That means other metals that do not contain iron are not susceptible to rusting. This makes them ideal for outdoor placement, as they'll last much longer in natural conditions.
Which metal is highly corrosive? ›
Zinc is an element that is highly prone to corrosion.
Is silver resistant to corrosion? ›
Silver is known in the chemistry world as a noble metal, which means it is resistant to corrosion, but not completely immune. Whether silver plating or pure silver, the composite of the metal will tarnish when exposed to air and sulfur.
What metals never deteriorate? ›
What Metals Don't Rust or Corrode
- Stainless Steel. Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy with at least 11% chromium in its composition, but some contain nickel as well. ...
- Aluminum. Curiously, aluminum is one of the most reactive metals known to humankind. ...
- Copper and Bronze. ...
- Brass. ...
- Galvanized Steel. ...
- Precious Metals.
Certain stainless-steel products contain high levels of chromium which can prevent the formation of rust. The alloy creates a thin chromium oxide layer on the surface to protect itself. 304 and 316 are the most common of our stainless steel options.
Do all metals corrode by rusting? ›
Most metals corrode. Some like iron corrode quickly, while others naturally corrode more slowly (e.g. zinc) or corrode slowly because they are an alloy of various metals (e.g. stainless steel). A small group of metals, called the Noble Metals, are much less reactive than others. As a result, they rarely corrode.
What is the best metal for outdoor use? ›
For typical projects such as a metal canopy, aluminum is the metal of choice. It survives well in the outdoors and is much more affordable and easy to work with than steel, brass, or copper. For outdoor decorations you may choose brass or copper, and for structural supports you may want to work with stainless steel.
