• Rust is both unsightly and potentially dangerous.rust image by sasha from Fotolia.com
  
  Rust is not only an unsightly problem for decorative and accent metals, it is also a potentially dangerous condition that undermines the integrity of support structures made from metal. Construct a science project that examines the various factors that contribute to rust, as well as potential solutions to the practical problems caused by rusting metal.
  
  

Will It Rust?

• Rust is a deteriorating condition specific to the oxidation of iron; therefore, though all metals corrode, not all metals rust. Conduct an experiment that examines the various metals and alloys that rust. Secure several types of metal including copper, bronze, steel and iron; nails, dining ware, washers or screws may be sources of such metals. Suspend or place the metals into mason jars; fill the jars with regular tap water or distilled water before sealing the jars with an airtight led. Observe the metals over several days; record which metals seems to be reacting and which metals do not. Such an experiment may require several weeks of observation before noting any effects. After compiling your results, determine which metals are the most and least rust resistant and pose a solution as to why some metals, like steel and iron, rust while others, like copper and bronze, do not.
  
  

Accelerating and Decelerating Rust

• An experiment that examines the natural variables that may affect rust offers insight as to which materials or conditions are the most and least favorable for rust development. One such variable is the type of moisture to which the iron material is exposed. Purchase several iron nails and suspend or submerge them in individual jars. Fill each jar with a different type of moisture solution; for example, jars could contain tap water, distilled water, salt water, carbonated water, water mixed with active yeast and pond or river water. Predict which nails will rust the most and least quickly before making several weeks' worth of observations. Explain why some jars (like the yeast water jars) slow down rust while others (like pond water) accelerate rust.
  
  Another version of this experiment is to coat the nails in various materials to determine if any barriers help or hinder rust development. Before placing the nails in individual water-filled jars, coat them with materials like spray paint, salt, wax or oil. Observe which, if any, coatings seems to protect the material from rusting.
  
  

Rust Removal

• A product testing experiment determines which available products are the most effective and efficient and also presents reasoning why some materials are more successful than others. To conduct a rust removal project, first submerge a single piece of iron at least 1 foot long in water for enough time that it begins to rust significantly, at least 1 to 2 weeks. Remove and pat dry the section of metal, and use black tape to mark off as many sections as you have rust removal products. Use each section to test one of the rust removal products or methods; test a variety of methods including acid-based products, chelation-based products, gels, powders and scrubbing tools. Determine which product is both the most successful and the most cost efficient means of removing rust.