How To Remove Iron Oxide From Metal
Consequently how do you remove oxidation from galvanized metal.
How to remove iron oxide from metal. This method is acceptable for unmachined sand castings since the scaling which occurs is not detrimental. In this article Ill be using Bar Keepers Friend an oxalic acid based metal cleaner to transform the black iron oxide into a colorless compound without needing to remove any material. Remove all grease dirt and other materials off to avoid an oily surface after removal of black oxide.
Nitric acid is also a possibility as Herbert indicates - however under certain circumstances one gets passivation of the iron and iron oxide surfaces resulting in reduced or zero rate of solubility. Scrub the metal surface with firm circular strokes using a soft-bristled brush. We need to clean down to sub ppm levels.
I did some more research and found that phosphoric acidNaval jelly would help get it off. No harsh chemicals required. Aluminum is another metal that naturally passivates.
This process contaminates the properties of the water or liquid. The best iron salt removing detergent for manual cleaning of lab glassware is Citranox Liquid Acid Cleaner and DetergentCitranox detergent is a mild acid high chelating detergent for high performance removal of metal oxides scale salts. Today well be showing how to clean and restore your old beat up rusty tools to like new condition.
While this method has its merits it isnt necessarily ideal for all applications. Water in a small container. Powdered Bar Keepers Friend metal cleanser.
For this reason I would not remove the black oxide if the hearth was mine. The iron is converted to iron oxide which can then be removed by abrasive blasting. Clean rags or paper towel.