Angle steel, commonly known as angle iron, is a long steel strip with two sides perpendicular to each other. It belongs to carbon structural steel for construction and is a simple cross-section steel. From the classification point of view, it is mainly divided into two categories: equal angle steel and unequal angle steel. In the field of construction, angle steel is widely used. It is often used to build metal components and factory frames. For example, in the construction of some large factories, angle steel is the main material of the frame to support the entire building structure.
Will angle steel rust?
Angle steel will rust. The main component of angle steel is iron. When iron reacts chemically with oxygen and water in the air, rust will be generated, the main component of which is iron oxide. This process is actually an oxidation reaction of iron. During the reaction, iron loses electrons and is oxidized into positively charged iron ions (Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺), and oxygen gains electrons to form oxygen ions (O²⁻), which further react to form iron hydroxide, and then convert into the common rust (Fe₂O₃). The time it takes for angle steel to rust is not fixed, but is affected by many factors. In an environment with high humidity, high temperature and chemical corrosive media, angle steel may start to rust in just a few days; if the environment is dry and clean, and the angle steel has been well treated with rust prevention, then the rusting time will be greatly delayed, and signs of rust may appear after months or even years.
How to prevent angle steel from rusting?
Galvanizing is also a commonly used surface treatment method, including hot-dip galvanizing and cold-dip galvanizing. The anti-rust principle of galvanizing is mainly to use the fact that the electrochemical activity of zinc is higher than that of iron. When the zinc layer comes into contact with iron, in a corrosive environment, the zinc will be corroded first, thereby protecting the iron and playing a role of cathodic protection.
2. Clean regularly
Regular cleaning of the angle steel surface can effectively remove accumulated dust, dirt and possible chemicals. These substances adhere to the angle steel surface for a long time and accelerate the corrosion of the angle steel. For example, in some industrial areas, there are many pollutants in the air, and the surface of the angle steel is easy to absorb these pollutants. If they are not cleaned in time, they will react chemically with the angle steel and accelerate the rusting speed. You can use a soft cloth or brush with a mild detergent to wipe the surface of the angle steel regularly to keep its surface clean.
3. Moisture and humidity resistant
Moisture is one of the key factors that cause angle steel to rust. In a humid environment, a layer of water film is easily formed on the surface of the angle steel, and this layer of water film will accelerate the reaction between iron and oxygen, thereby accelerating the rusting speed. Therefore, when storing angle steel, you should choose a dry and well-ventilated place. If stored outdoors, you should take cover measures to prevent rain from directly pouring on the angle steel; during use, you should also try to avoid the angle steel being in a high humidity environment for a long time. For example, in some coastal areas, the air humidity is high, so you need to take additional moisture-proof measures, such as applying moisture-proof agent on the surface of the angle steel.
4. Regular inspection
Regularly check the surface condition of the angle steel to see if there is any rust, and whether the protective layers such as paint film and zinc layer are intact. If slight rust is found, it can be promptly removed, and anti-rust paint can be reapplied or other repair measures can be taken; if the protective layer is damaged, it should also be repaired in time to ensure the protective effect. Through regular inspections, potential problems can be discovered and resolved in time, thereby extending the service life of the angle steel.
Read more: How to Store Angle Steel Corectly?
Will angle steel rust?
Angle steel will rust. The main component of angle steel is iron. When iron reacts chemically with oxygen and water in the air, rust will be generated, the main component of which is iron oxide. This process is actually an oxidation reaction of iron. During the reaction, iron loses electrons and is oxidized into positively charged iron ions (Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺), and oxygen gains electrons to form oxygen ions (O²⁻), which further react to form iron hydroxide, and then convert into the common rust (Fe₂O₃). The time it takes for angle steel to rust is not fixed, but is affected by many factors. In an environment with high humidity, high temperature and chemical corrosive media, angle steel may start to rust in just a few days; if the environment is dry and clean, and the angle steel has been well treated with rust prevention, then the rusting time will be greatly delayed, and signs of rust may appear after months or even years.
How to prevent angle steel from rusting?
1. Surface treatment
Applying anti-rust paint is a common and effective way. Anti-rust paint is divided into two types: physical and chemical. Physical anti-rust paint relies on the proper combination of pigments and paints to form a dense paint film to prevent the invasion of corrosive substances, such as iron red and aluminum powder anti-rust paint; Chemical anti-rust paint relies on the chemical rust inhibition effect of anti-rust pigments, such as red lead and zinc yellow anti-rust paint.Galvanizing is also a commonly used surface treatment method, including hot-dip galvanizing and cold-dip galvanizing. The anti-rust principle of galvanizing is mainly to use the fact that the electrochemical activity of zinc is higher than that of iron. When the zinc layer comes into contact with iron, in a corrosive environment, the zinc will be corroded first, thereby protecting the iron and playing a role of cathodic protection.
2. Clean regularly
Regular cleaning of the angle steel surface can effectively remove accumulated dust, dirt and possible chemicals. These substances adhere to the angle steel surface for a long time and accelerate the corrosion of the angle steel. For example, in some industrial areas, there are many pollutants in the air, and the surface of the angle steel is easy to absorb these pollutants. If they are not cleaned in time, they will react chemically with the angle steel and accelerate the rusting speed. You can use a soft cloth or brush with a mild detergent to wipe the surface of the angle steel regularly to keep its surface clean.
3. Moisture and humidity resistant
Moisture is one of the key factors that cause angle steel to rust. In a humid environment, a layer of water film is easily formed on the surface of the angle steel, and this layer of water film will accelerate the reaction between iron and oxygen, thereby accelerating the rusting speed. Therefore, when storing angle steel, you should choose a dry and well-ventilated place. If stored outdoors, you should take cover measures to prevent rain from directly pouring on the angle steel; during use, you should also try to avoid the angle steel being in a high humidity environment for a long time. For example, in some coastal areas, the air humidity is high, so you need to take additional moisture-proof measures, such as applying moisture-proof agent on the surface of the angle steel.
4. Regular inspection
Regularly check the surface condition of the angle steel to see if there is any rust, and whether the protective layers such as paint film and zinc layer are intact. If slight rust is found, it can be promptly removed, and anti-rust paint can be reapplied or other repair measures can be taken; if the protective layer is damaged, it should also be repaired in time to ensure the protective effect. Through regular inspections, potential problems can be discovered and resolved in time, thereby extending the service life of the angle steel.
Read more: How to Store Angle Steel Corectly?
