Shipwrecks and Salvage > 2. Corrosion of Iron >
Identify data, select equipment, plan and perform a first-hand investigation to compare the rate of corrosion of iron and an identified form of steel
- The rate of corrosion of iron and mild steel can be compared by performing to following investigation:
- Obtain four samples of both iron and mild steel that are the same size and shape.
- Place the samples in separate sets of test tubes that have the following conditions:
- Dry air only (using drying crystals).
- Water and air present.
- Water only present (deoxygenated by boiling, then stoppered).
- Salt water.
- Examine the eight samples once daily over a period of five days, and record the relative degree of corrosion.
- After the five days, assess the results and conclude which substance corroded more quickly, and how the conditions affected the rate of corrosion.
