Corrosion vs. Rust – What’s the Difference?


Categories: Corrosion, Decontamination, Industrial & Manufacturing, Data Centers, Wind Turbines & Renewable Energy, Marine & Offshore maintenance, Healthcare, Education
 

Corrosie soorten

Corrosion and rust are often used interchangeably. While corrosion and rust are both a result of oxidation reactions (where an element combines with oxygen), there are differences between the two.

Corrosion impacts a wide range of objects, while rust only impacts iron and its alloys, such as steel. Therefore, rust is a form of corrosion, although it specifically refers to oxidation of metals containing iron.

The chart below details additional differences between corrosion and rust.

CORROSION VS. RUST

CORROSION

RUST

Corrosion includes rust.

Rust is a type of corrosion.

Corrosion is the process by which certain materials, metals and non-metals, deteriorate as a result of oxidation.

Rusting is oxidation of iron in the presence of air and moisture.

Corrosion can occur on materials such as ceramics or polymers.

Rusting occurs on surfaces of iron and its alloys.

Corrosion requires surface exposure to air or chemicals.

Rusting requires surface exposure to both air and moisture.

Depending on the material, corrosion can emerge in different colors such as blue and green.

Rust has an orange brown color.

 

Corrosion Vs RustFor more information on corrosion and rust, check out our whitepaper, Corrosion – Effects on Metals & Electronic Equipment, Processes & Prevention



 
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