> Interesting. For those wondering, Coca-Cola contains phosphoric
>acid,
> which works well for a rust converter, converting the iron oxide into
> something else :-) . You would probably be better off, however, using
> just plain phosphoric acid (or diluted, or however it's sold). I guess
> it would work for the above, never thought about using Coke though :-)
>
> Probably cheaper to use regular phosphoric acid, though.
> --
> Sean Bartnik
Sean,
You're right on. Phosphoric acid is the main ingredient in "Naval
Jelly", a popular and effective rust converter. The phosphoric acid
combines with rust to form iron phosphate and water. The iron
phosphate takes the form of a grey powder that washes away pretty
easily. I'll leave it to the chemists on the list to put up the
exact chemical reaction--I can't remember if phosphoric acid is H2PO4
or H3PO4.
Scott
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