The Corrosion Catastrophe: Uncovering Rust-Causing Liquids
CWSF · 2026 Environment & Climate Change
Overview
Rust weakens metal and damages everyday objects, so I wanted to find out which liquids make metal rust the fastest. In my experiment, I placed identical iron nails into vinegar, salt water, tap water, soda, and cooking oil, then observed them for 14 days. Vinegar caused the most rust, and salt water close behind. Tap water produced moderate corrosion, soda caused little, and oil stopped rust by blocking oxygen and moisture. These results help explain why metal near oceans, winter roads, or polluted environments rusts faster, and why protective coatings are important. Rust is a major real-world problem. In Canada, over $51.9 billion is spent each year repairing or replacing corroded bridges, pipelines, water systems, and buildings. Understanding which liquids speed up or slow down rust can help us protect metal in our communities, including cars, tools, and even bridges like Winnipeg’s Arlington Bridge, which was closed due to corrosion.
Awards (1)
- Selected for CWSF 2026
Competition history
- CWSF 2026
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