Rust

The term rust is used for corrosion or oxidation of iron and steel in presence of water, moisture, and oxygen, when an iron or alloys of iron come into contact with water and oxygen. An oxidation reaction takes place and iron oxide, Fe2O3, formed as reddish-brown flaky coat on the metal surface. Depending on the intensity of iron, steel's exposure to water and oxygen, corrosion takes place within days, weeks, months, or even years. Rust can knock down bridges, can cause nuclear reactor meltdowns, can damage oil pipelines with collateral damage in terms of precious human life. The average cost of dealing with corrosion is between three point four percent and four point five percent of GDP in industrial nations. Repairs and replacement parts needed due to rust and corrosion are costly. By reducing its mass and causing brittleness in steel structure, bridge, rust can thus endanger the safety of users. If unmaintained, rusted structures and tools can damage the reputation of a company or brand.