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The Conversation USA

What is rust? A materials scientist explains metal’s crusty enemy

  • Written by Guangwen Zhou, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, State University of New York
imageRust can attack the surfaces of old metal objects, such as bicycles.Sami Auvinen/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.


What is rust? – Henry E., age 13, Boston, Massachusetts


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