I asked about this earlier and got an answer that caused me to rethink my process. Is this a good way to measure iron corrosion: weigh a nail, put it in water and let it rust, remove the rust (in my experiment the rust has come off easily, with just a wipe), and weigh it again. The greater the difference, the more the iron has corroded. And I can do this periodically by removing, weighing, removing again a few days later, weighing again, and so on for a couple of weeks or so. Will this be fairly accurate and effective?
I would use multiple nails in multiple containers so your wiping process dose not become a cumulative abrasive factor.
The method you have described can provide a rough estimate of the amount of corrosion that has taken place, but it may not be the most accurate or effective approach. Let me explain a better way to measure iron corrosion.
To obtain more accurate results, it is recommended to use a method called weight loss analysis. Here's how you can do it:
1. Obtain several nails of the same material and similar dimensions.
2. Clean the nails to remove any existing rust or contaminants. You can use sandpaper or a wire brush for this purpose.
3. Weigh each nail separately using an accurate scale and record their initial weights.
4. Place each nail in separate containers filled with water or a solution that promotes rusting, such as saltwater, to simulate different environments.
5. Allow the nails to corrode for a specific period, such as a week or two.
6. After the desired duration, remove each nail from its container and gently brush off any loose rust without applying excessive force. Pat dry the nails to remove excess moisture.
7. Weigh each nail again and record their final weights.
8. Calculate the difference between the initial and final weights for each nail to determine the amount of weight loss due to corrosion.
By comparing the weight loss of the nails, you can get an estimate of the relative corrosion rates in different environments. Keep in mind that this method does not provide detailed information about the actual mechanism or extent of corrosion but gives a general idea of the rate of iron corrosion.
Using multiple nails in separate containers, as you suggested, eliminates the cumulative abrasive factor and allows for a more reliable comparison between different environments or conditions.
Remember to conduct the experiment under controlled conditions, consider using replicates, and take precautions to avoid variations in humidity, temperature, and other relevant factors that can influence the corrosion process.
It's worth noting that more precise methods, such as electrochemical techniques or corrosion rate measurement devices, may be employed for more accurate and quantitative analysis of iron corrosion.