Identification

[ZanderG]

Hi,

 

I was cleaning some of my rusty tools by bathing them in vinager.

 

It was a pretty slow clean as I'm used to leaving it for 2 - 3 days but when I returned I had an unusual reaction which I'm hoping you can tell me what happened?

 

It's got a very unique aroma of copper grease but this wouldn't had corroded the sockets.

 

I think the black cake is copper oxide but what about the red and orange?

 

Any help greatly appreciated.

Edited April 11, 2018 by ZanderG
Pic

[studiot]

Information is key and you haven't provided anywhere near enough.

 

What are your tools made of?

Chrome/nickel/vanadium/manganese steel?

 

Where does the copper come into it

And by sockets do you mean mechanical spanners, not electrical sockets?

If so are they chrome plated?
Chrome plate id deposited on a copper base.

Edited April 11, 2018 by studiot

[ZanderG]

My apologies.

 

I can't upload any more photos for some reason but I'll try and elaborate.

 

These are mechanical socket adaptors made from chromed vanadium steel.

 

The copper is from its unquie smell, you don't forget copper grease when you've had it all over yours hands..

 

The deep red I can only assume is the acid that corroded the metals so quickly.

 

When removing rust from my tools, I'd expect the solution to be a dark, murky colour with very few sediments floating.. this was a complete surprise to have had such a large reaction, even taking into account the state of the tools (see photo bottom of tool carrier)

Edited April 11, 2018 by ZanderG

[studiot]

There is an initial posting limit for new members, because we get so much spam like many other forums.

But it will soon pass and I can see you are genuine not a spammer.

 

Vanadium acts as a catalyst on acetic acid to form a pungent but colourless organic compound.

It does not react with the acid itself.

Nickel also does not react.

 

But chromium reacts to produce bright red chromium acetate.
Was/is any of the chrome plating peeling back?

 

Of course vinegar comes in many colours from colourless to very dark brown.

What was the original colour of yours?

 

Did I understand you to also say that there was copper grease as well other other contaminents on the sockets?

There are many far better chemists than me here as well as some metallurgists.
I am just hoping to prompt as much useful information as possible for them so they might have some better ideas.

Edited April 11, 2018 by studiot