K7LXC wrote:
>
> In a message dated 98-03-23 00:07:54 EST, aa7bg@3rivers.net writes:
>
> > Doesn't a layer of rust actually act as a protector anyhoo?
>
> From what? Rust is oxidation and the oxidation is the breakdown of the
> metal through corrosion to it's original elements. The rust will just get
> deeper and deeper into the metal until it breaks it down completely and your
> antennas land on the ground. This does take a moderately long period of time
> though.
>
Not necessarily. Some alloys are designed to be self-healing. That is,
their surface rust prevents the oxidation from progressing further. If
the coating of rust is scratched, the scratch rusts and the oxide
coating regains its integrity.
I once worked in a building that had a roof made of a steel alloy
designed to rust. We were a local landmark and known as the "Rusty Roof
Building." It was actually quite attractive--once you became used to
it.
73 Malcolm KR4HP
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