Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Corrosion and Rusting?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Corrosion and Rusting?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Corrosion and rusting are both oxidation reactions, but they differ in the materials they affect and the specific consequences of the reactions. Here are the key differences between corrosion and rusting:

  • Materials affected: Corrosion can occur on a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers. Rusting, on the other hand, only affects iron and its alloys, such as steel.
  • Causes: Corrosion requires surface exposure to air or chemicals, while rusting requires surface exposure to both air and moisture.
  • Appearance: Rust has an orange-brown color, while corrosion can appear in different colors, such as blue and green.

In summary, corrosion is a broader term that encompasses the deterioration of various materials due to oxidation, while rusting is a specific type of corrosion that occurs in iron and its alloys when exposed to air and moisture. Rust is a part of corrosion, but not all corrosion is rust.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Corrosion and Rusting?
  • Comparative Table: Corrosion vs Rusting

    • Comparative Table: Corrosion vs Rusting

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between corrosion and rusting:

    Feature Corrosion Rusting
    Definition Corrosion is the process by which certain materials, including metals and non-metals, deteriorate as a result of oxidation. Rusting is the oxidation of iron or iron objects in the presence of air and moisture, forming a red-orange colored iron oxide.
    Occurrence Corrosion can occur on a wide range of objects, including metals, ceramics, and polymers. Rusting is limited to iron and its alloys, such as steel.
    Requirements Corrosion requires surface exposure to air or chemicals. Rusting requires surface exposure to both air and moisture.
    Colors Corrosion can emerge in different colors, such as blue and green. Rust has an orange-brown color.
    Products Corrosion can form oxides, hydroxides, and sulfides of the elements present in the material. Rusting produces hydrated iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3·nH2O) and iron (III) oxide-hydroxide (FeO(OH), Fe(OH)3).

    In summary, corrosion is a broader term that encompasses the deterioration of various materials due to oxidation, while rusting is a specific type of corrosion that occurs only on iron and its alloys.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.