Historical iron corrosion samples C016 / 2040
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Historical iron corrosion samples C016 / 2040
Historical iron corrosion samples. Series of glass tubes with 70-year-old samples of iron under different conditions, demonstrating the effect on corrosion. The years vary between 1907 and 1910. At top, the iron was sealed in air dried with phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), showing no corrosion. Water and air (in second tube) are needed for corrosion (formation of rust, or hydrated iron oxide). Sterilisation did not prevent corrosion (third tube). Dilute alkali (ammonium hydroxide, NH4OH) inhibits corrosion (fourth tube), as does potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7, final tube). Photographed in 1979, at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
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Media ID 9216715
© NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY CROWN COPYRIGHT/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1907 1908 1909 1910 1910s 1970s 1979 Alkaline Apparatus Atmospheric Bacteria Bacterial Corroded Corrosion Device Dried Experiment Humid Hydrated Hydration Iron Iron Oxide Metal Moisture Museum National Physical Laboratory Oxidation Oxygen Rust Rusting Rusty Sample Samples Sealed Sterile Sterility Laboratory Oxidising Sterilised
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a series of historical iron corrosion samples, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of scientific research and experimentation. The glass tubes displayed in the image contain 70-year-old iron samples that were subjected to different conditions, highlighting the impact on corrosion. Dating back to the early 20th century, these samples range from 1907 to 1910 and provide valuable insights into the effects of moisture, oxygen, and various chemical agents on iron's susceptibility to rusting. The top tube reveals an intriguing result as it contains iron sealed in air dried with phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), demonstrating no signs of corrosion. However, further observations indicate that both water and air are essential for corrosion to occur. Sterilization attempts proved ineffective in preventing this natural process, while dilute alkali such as ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) and potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) exhibited inhibitory effects on corrosion. Photographed at the renowned National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, UK during 1979, this image serves as a time capsule capturing significant advancements made within chemistry and metallurgy. It symbolizes our relentless pursuit of understanding how materials interact with their environment throughout history. With its rich historical context and scientific significance, this print is not only visually striking but also offers a window into humanity's quest for knowledge about one of nature's most common processes - oxidation and corrosion.
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