How to Make Iron Oxide
Iron oxide is a chemical compound that comprises oxygen and iron, also widely known as rust. It is used as a coloring agent in various cosmetics, automotive paints and wood finishes. According to Carnegie Mellon University, iron oxides have been used for centuries, dating back to ancient Rome where it was used for making beads and ornaments. Making iron oxide for your own personal use can be accomplished right in your own kitchen, using nothing more than a few common household supplies. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pint-sized jar
- Water
- 2 tbsp. salt
- Spoon
- Hydrogen peroxide
- 9-volt battery
- 2 nails
- Metal wire
- Stack of books (optional)
Instructions
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1
Fill a pint-sized jar approximately three-fourths full of tap water, and add 2 tbsp. of salt. Stir the water and salt with a spoon until the salt completely dissolves.
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2
Attach a nail to each post of a 9-volt battery by twisting a small piece of metal wire around the nail head and the battery terminal until the nail is fully secured.
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Set the 9-volt battery on top of a sturdy object, such as a stack of books, with the nails pointing in a downward position. Set the pint-sized jar underneath the nails so that the nails are partially submerged in the water.
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4
Let the nails sit in the water until the water turns either orange or black. Remove the nails and add three or four drops of hydrogen peroxide. Stir the mixture until it becomes bright orange.
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Tips & Warnings
Use nails that are at least 1 1/2 inches long. The condition of the nail is not important, so feel free to use old rusty nails if you would like.
When attaching the nails to the 9-volt battery, attach them at a 90-degree angle instead of straight off the battery posts.
Make sure that the nails are not touching each other after securing them to the 9-volt battery.
Do not inhale iron oxide fumes or dust particles, as they may cause irritation to the nose, eyes, and throat.
Iron oxide fumes can cause "fume fever," which can last up to 48 hours. Symptoms of fume fever include a fever, dry or sore throat and a metallic taste in the mouth.
Inhaling iron oxide over an extended amount of time can cause the lungs to become inflamed.
References
- Photo Credit rust image by PeteG from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Was just told on another site that by adding hydrogen peroxide along with salt that it will decrease the effectiveness of the production cuz of the oxygen added.
