How To Avoid Rusting Of TMT Bars?

Rust is the number one enemy of metals. It is iron oxide that develops from the oxidation of iron in metal. Rust is known to “eat away” the metals it shows up on and makes them weak. TMT bars are prone to rusting, too. The rust spreads over the body of the bar and corrodes it. This causes the constructed structure to weaken and eventually fall apart. It is essential to take the necessary steps to prevent the TMT bars from rusting and ensure the stability of the structure. Here are a few techniques manufacturers often apply to prevent rust on TMT bars.

Galvanizing

It is the process of applying a coat of zinc to iron or steel to prevent rusting used by the leading TMT bar producer in Assam.  It is a diffusion process, so the coating forms perpendicular to all surfaces, creating a uniform thickness throughout the part. 

Hot Dipping

In this process, the steel bar is dipped inside hot molten zinc to give an equal coating across all surfaces of the bars. This method is used wherever there is a risk of corrosion of steel.

Organic Coating

Organic coatings act as a barrier to corrosive solutions and electrolytes. They can prevent or delay the transfer of electrochemical charge from the solution to the metal. It is an effective way of preventing rusting on TMT bars. These coatings include:

• Oil coatings so that the water and iron do not mix up
• Dry coating creates a barrier over the metal parts without leaving any residue
• Painting the metal slows down the rusting process
• Powder coating involves applying a layer of vinyl, acrylic, epoxy, or similar substances

Cathodic Protection

A cathodic protection is a method of controlling corrosion in steel-reinforced concrete. This method works by making a metal surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell. The simplest way to apply cathodic protection is to connect the metal to be protected with another metal that corrodes more easily. This second metal acts as the anode of the electrochemical cell. 

Rust Inhibitors

Rust inhibitors help slow down the metal oxidation process after they are exposed to water or oxygen. Make sure to remove the existing rust with sandpaper before starting this process. 

Keep The Bars Clean and Dry

Once the rusting process starts, it is hard to keep it from spreading. The best option is to ensure it is not exposed to oxygen and moisture in the first place. Keeping the TMT bars dry is one of the best ways to prevent rust.  Dirt and debris can provide a place for water and oxygen to adhere to the metal, which will speed up the rusting process. Store the bars in a dry place where they will not be exposed to rain, humidity, and other elements.

Provide Concrete Cover

Concrete provides an ideal environment for preventing rust on TMT bars. An extremely thin layer of ferric-oxide (Fe2O3) is formed as soon as the bars come in contact with concrete. This layer protects the bars from the best TMT brand in Assam from corrosion and ensures the durability of the structure.

Control Humidity

Humidity is the number one enemy of TMT bars. It should be your top priority to keep the metal away from moisture. Use proper air conditioners to control the temperature. You can even cover the bars with a tarp to protect them from rain and other sources of moisture.

The Bottom Line

There are many techniques that can be used to prevent rust from TMT bars. Rust causes serious harm to any steel structure. When ignored, it becomes a big issue that weakens the structure it is used to construct. It is important to always look for ways to prevent the bars from rusting. The best time to tackle this problem is as soon as you get the first sight of the red-oxide colour. Doing so will help keep the structure strong and increase its longevity.