Oxidation can be prevented by using inert gases or hydrogen atmospheres.
Inert gases, such as nitrogen and argon, create an environment where oxidation cannot occur due to the lack of oxygen.
Hydrogen atmospheres are used in thermal processing to react with molecular oxygen, making it non-reactive with the metal and protecting it from oxidation damage.
Which gases prevent oxidation? – 4 Key Methods Explained
1. Inert Gases: Nitrogen and Argon
Inert gases like nitrogen and argon are commonly used to prevent oxidation in various applications.
These gases are considered "inert" because they do not readily participate in chemical reactions, making them ideal for creating an inert atmosphere that can slow down or stop a particular chemical reaction, such as oxidation.
By replacing the air within a system or container with an inert gas, oxidation processes can be significantly slowed down and prevented.
This is particularly useful in preserving food items, such as wine, oils, and other perishable goods, as well as in producing highly reactive substances and storing and shipping hazardous materials that require inert atmospheres for safety purposes.
2. Hydrogen Atmospheres
Hydrogen atmospheres are another method used to prevent oxidation, particularly in thermal processing applications.
Fabricated metal products are often processed at high temperatures to change their properties for specific applications, such as annealing, sintering, and brazing.
High temperatures can intensify oxidation caused by atmospheric oxygen, leading to damage to the metal product.
To protect the metal from atmospheric oxygen and oxygen liberated from surface oxides at high temperatures, hydrogen atmospheres are employed.
Hydrogen reacts with molecular oxygen, making it non-reactive with the metal and preventing oxidation damage.
In some cases, parts are processed in a vacuum atmosphere if they are incompatible with hydrogen.
3. Inert Gas Applications
Inert gases like nitrogen and argon are effective methods for preventing oxidation in various applications.
Inert gases create an environment with minimal chemical reactivity.
4. Hydrogen Atmosphere Applications
Hydrogen atmospheres react with molecular oxygen to protect metal products from oxidation damage during thermal processing.
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