Red Rust

Red rust is oxidized iron (Fe3O2). Iron oxidation happens when it comes in contact with water and air. Iron oxide has a red color and generally rust often is used synonymous with red rust. However, there are many other forms of rust, such as white rust, which happens when zinc is oxidized.

Since "red rust" is formed by iron molecules that react with water and oxygen, there are less iron molecules over time (corrosion), which causes quality and strength deterioration of iron products. In addition, it should be noted that "red rust" can cause "rust" by spreading of corrosion to non-corroded surfaces. This is called "contact-rust", where the iron oxides physically make contact with the non-corroded iron surface and agitate contact iron molecules to oxidize, or penetrate protective coatings from the outside.