Rust

The term rust refers to a visible corrosion product that forms on the surface of steel or iron when exposed to air and moisture. Depending on its intensity, rust attack has a decisive influence on the functionality and service life of the steel or iron component concerned.

A distinction is made between two types of rust:

• Red rust Corrosion product containing iron oxide on the base metal
• White rust Zinc hydroxide containing corrosion product on zinc surfaces ("coating corrosion")