How are metals affected by the weather
Metal is used in numerous items that we use in our everyday life. Some of these items are contained within our homes such as electrical appliances, cutlery and other items. In other cases the metal is used in items that are used outdoors. Metal can be used in lots of different environments but in some cases there is the need for a Plasma Spray like the ones used by https://www.poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments/plasma-coatings/ to ensure that the metal is not compromised in extremes of weather. Here are some of the elements of weather that can affect metal.
Moisture – wet and humid environments can cause metals to rust much easier than when the weather is hot and dry. This is due to the moisture content in the water. Rust is formed when corrosion takes place. This is a chemical reaction that occurs when oxygen, water and metal. There are some metals that are more prone to rust and corrosion than others. Copper is a metal that is not affected by rust as it creates a patina on its exterior that protects it from the chemical reaction that occurs. This is why copper is used in plumbing and central heating pipes, as well as in electrical wiring.
Winter – colder temperatures slow down the effects of rusting, but when there is lots of icy and snow around the local councils will send out gritters to put a salt and grit mixture on the roads. It is this salt that will then accelerate the chemical reaction of corrosion to take place. It is therefore important that you regularly wipe your car down when you have been driving on gritted roads. Be careful not to rub the grit into your paintwork as this will cause further damage to occur. The best way to remove it is with water and then a gentle cloth.
Temperature – heat affects the way that metal rusts and it can cause corrosion to occur at a quicker rate. The higher the temperature, the faster that corrosion takes place. The melting point of the metal will have an impact on what temperature that corrosion will start to take place. As a result of the impact temperature has on metal, rust takes place more often in summer than it does in winter.
