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RustStop® RS-5 electronic rust prevention and other rust protection products - Serving the Americas, Europe and Russia |
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Rust is more of a threat than you may think! What is electronic rust proofing (rustproofing)? Undercoating and Rust Proofing (rustproofing)? What is RustStop® electronic rust protection? How does RustStop® electronic rust prevention work? Are you serious about car care?
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Capacitive Coupling Limitations
Corrosion (rust) is a process where chemical reactions take place through the exchange of electrons. The corrosion reactions that would otherwise naturally occur can be inhibited by preventing the exchange of electrons.
Capacitive Coupling is an electronic rust prevention system used by some products. The system's positive electrode acts as the positive side of the capacitor effect and the vehicle forms the negative side with the paintwork as the dielectric (insulator). Some systems add an additional dielectric material between the vehicle and the positive electrode. Because of the dielectric (insulator), the positive electrode is insulated from the vehicle and the claims are that the positive electrode attracts the electrons from any scratches in the paintwork of a vehicle to disrupt the formation of rust.
Capacitive Coupling will work as long as there is a continuous water path (electrolyte) from the scratch to the positive electrode.
When there is not a continuous path of water (electrolyte) present, there is no possibility of electron flow between the positive electrode and the metal of the vehicle, hence zero rust protection. The free electrons (e) at the scratch can now readily react to form rust, see diagram.
It is possible for this system to work on a flat metal surface in wet conditions. Capacitive Coupling relies on a puddle of water to form a continuous electrolyte path, between the positive electrode and any scratches that form, allowing electron flow to disrupt the rusting process.
Unlike a flat metal surface, vehicles have many bends and curves where water cannot puddle. Vehicles also have an undercarriage and similar areas where water will not puddle. In these areas, it is very unlikely that water can form a continuous path to the positive electrode of the Capacitive Coupling system, hence these areas are not getting any protection and they will rust.
Another problem with Capacitive Coupling is that the positive electrodes are normally mounted somewhere in the engine compartment where they do not get wet very often. This makes it close to impossible for a continuous path or water to form between the engine compartment and many areas of the vehicle; for example, the rear of the vehicle. These areas will not get protection and will rust.
Therefore, there are rust protection systems available for vehicles that are much more effective than Capacitive Coupling.
Click here to see: Cathodic Protection Limitations?
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