In this article, we take a closer look at whether nickel, cast iron, chrome, and other metals rust.
Nickel
Nickel is one of the most abundant elements here on earth. It is widely used for its properties as a good heat and electricity conductor and its high heat and corrosion resistance. This silvery-white metal does not rust since it is pure with no iron.
Due to these wonderful properties of nickel, it is alloyed with many different metals to increase rust resistance. This material is beneficial in industrial processes, especially water. It’s great because it won’t easily oxidize or rust. An example is how nickel alloys are used in making fuel tanks for heat and corrosion resistance.
Image source: Nornickel
Cast iron
Cast iron is an iron-carbon alloy, and it will rust. You might be wondering why then it is famous for cooking. It is because it has a high volumetric heat capacity. When heated, it stays hot for a longer time than other pan materials.
Cast iron skillets have a protective layer of carbonized oil against rusting. However, this coating can be chipped away through time and repetitive use.
Making sure that your pan or skillet is not left to soak and is not stored in a moist environment is your best bet in preventing it. If your pan gets rust, you can remove it through vinegar soak or scrub it all off using fine steel wool.
Image source: Stephanie Staton – Hobby Farms
Chrome
Chrome is mostly used for electroplating, done to lengthen the lifespan of metals or plastics. Chromium is a transition metal that is steely grey and lustrous. It’s also hard and brittle. It acts as a protective layer against corrosion. Thus, chrome does not rust.
Chrome plating involves the application of chromium onto the surface of an object as a finishing process. The layer of chromium is applied via electroplating, using an electrical charge. It is applied to a solution of chromium anhydride.
To find out more about this element, check out its properties in the table below.
| Chemical symbol | Cr |
| Melting point | 3465 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Hardness | 6-7 Mohs |
| Atomic number | 24 |
It triggers a chemical reaction, and the chromium deposits itself onto the surface of the submerged object. This results in a silvery chrome layer that protects the underlying surface from corrosion readily. It’s because chrome is impermeable to oxygen. Thereby, it prevents oxidation.
However, rusting can occur if the chrome layer is compromised and the underlying material contains iron. Without the chrome plating, the layer underneath will come in contact with moisture and oxygen. It’s the perfect recipe for deterioration.
Image source: Alchemist-hp
Tungsten
Despite being brittle, tungsten is still one of the most durable elements. It has the highest tensile strength and melting point among natural metals. These characteristics make tungsten favored by jewelry makers, producing strong rings that can last for years. Its hardness and high-temperature resistance are great features.
Because of the durability of tungsten, it is used to alloy with other metals for added strength and corrosion resistance. Although highly durable, it can still be cut by plasma cutters and polished by diamond wheels in some forms.
Tungsten does not contain iron, so it does not rust. However, pure tungsten does oxidize in the air. It develops a colorful tarnish or patina.
On the other hand, tungsten carbide with nickel binder does not readily oxidize and tarnish. One exception is at very high temperatures (around 1100 K above). This type of tungsten alloy is widely used for high-quality jewelry that doesn’t stain around the finger and lasts long.
It’s a picture of a tungsten cube of high purity alongside tungsten rods with evaporated crystals and colorful tarnish.
Image source: Alchemist-hp
Damascus steel
It can rust since it is an iron alloy. Famous for its watery light and dark pattern, Damascus steel has been valued for years since the ancient period. It was used to forge the blades and weapons of warriors.
It was originally cast from wootz, another type from India. It was made by melting iron and steel together with charcoal and using Sorel metal as a raw material.
The mining region in India where the wootz came from changed during the 19th century. It started bringing in impurities and thus changing the ingots for making Damascus steel. Due to these impurities, the original manufacturer of wootz Damascus steel was never replicated again.
Since its composition was shed to light and the truth about the significance of wootz ingots, it led to the successful reproduction of Damascus steel. However, it was manufactured differently.
The damask pattern of the original steel was copied onto the new ones through layering iron and steel. It forged the two together by hammering at high temperatures, forming a welded bond. After multiple layers of forge welding, the watery pattern is replicated.
Image source: Verhoeven, J.D. – The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society
