Metals That Don’t Rust

Rust compromises the mechanical characteristics of metal, alters the chemical properties, and is (usually) not considered aesthetically pleasing. It is for these reasons that many people in charge of design and material selection try to avoid having to deal with rust and the negative effects that come with it. One way to eliminate the threat of rust is to use metals that don’t rust. These metals are often chosen not only for their resistance to rust but also for their durability, ease of maintenance, and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Selecting the right metal can extend the lifespan of a structure or product, reducing long-term costs associated with repair, replacement, or upkeep.

Common metals that don’t rust include:

• Aluminum
• Stainless Steel (some grades)
• Galvanized Steel
• Red Metals (Copper, Brass & Bronze)

Aluminum

Aluminum cannot rust. This is because of the fact that rust is iron oxide, and most aluminum has virtually no iron in its composition. However, aluminum does oxidize, but it actually protects the underlying unoxidized aluminum. This is because the aluminum oxide is more corrosion-resistant than the aluminum alloy it rests on. This is different than rust because rust will flake away from an iron alloy, thus allowing the rusting process to continue until material failure.

Stainless Steels

Stainless steel is another example of a metal that does not rust, though it is important to note that some grades are more resistant to rust than others. Austenitic stainless steels such as 304 or 316 have high amounts of nickel and chromium. The chromium combines with the oxygen before the iron can, forming a chromium oxide layer. This layer is very corrosion-resistant, which prevents rust formation and protects the underlying metal. On the other hand, ferritic or martensitic stainless steels may be susceptible to rust because they contain less chromium.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel is technically a coated material, but it is worth mentioning here. Galvanized steel is a carbon steel that would most likely rust if it did not have one or more layers of zinc applied to it. The zinc layer acts as a sacrificial metal for the steel. This means that the zinc layer will combine with the oxygen more readily than the iron in the steel will. This creates a zinc oxide layer that prevents the formation of iron oxide, thus eliminating the possibility of rust forming. However, if the zinc coating is damaged or the galvanized steel is placed in extreme environments, the zinc coating may be rendered ineffective, and the steel will rust. Galvanized steel is also susceptible to “white rust,” which is a type of corrosion that forms under specific conditions, typically involving water or condensation. The formation of white rust does not necessarily damage the material or the zinc coating.

Copper, Brass, and Bronze

Copper, brass, and bronze do not rust for the same reason as aluminum. All three have a negligible amount of iron in them. Therefore, no iron oxide or rust can form. However, copper can form a blue-green patina on its surface when exposed to oxygen over time.

Does Brass Rust?

Brass does not rust because it contains very little to no iron in its composition. Rust, or iron oxide, forms only when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture. Since brass is primarily an alloy of copper and zinc, it is immune to rusting. However, brass can corrode by tarnishing when exposed to air, forming a dark gray layer of copper oxide that usually protects it from further damage.

Does Bronze Rust?

Similar to brass, bronze does not rust because it also lacks iron in its composition. Bronze is primarily an alloy of copper and tin, sometimes with small amounts of other elements like aluminum or phosphorus. While it does not rust, bronze is susceptible to corrosion over time, especially in marine environments. This corrosion often results in the formation of a green patina that acts as a protective layer against further degradation.

Does Copper Rust?

Copper does not rust for the same reason as brass and bronze — it contains no iron. As a result, no iron oxide (rust) can form. However, over time, copper reacts with oxygen to develop a blue-green patina on its surface. This patina is a form of corrosion but is generally considered desirable because it protects the underlying metal from further damage.

These Metals Don’t Rust But…

While these metals don’t rust, that does not mean that they do not corrode. They have their own forms of corrosion, such as pitting that can occur in stainless steel or the blue-green tarnish found on oxidized copper. Furthermore, if they are brought into contact with a carbon steel or other type of steel that does rust, iron deposits can be made on the surface of these materials that will oxidize and create rust. Environmental factors like exposure to saltwater, pollutants, or acidic conditions can accelerate these forms of corrosion. For example, brass may experience dezincification, a process where zinc is leached out, weakening the metal’s structure. Similarly, bronze in marine settings may develop “bronze disease,” a form of progressive corrosion caused by chlorides. Proper maintenance and environmental considerations are essential to preserving these metals and minimizing tarnish and other types of corrosion over time.