I read a while back that it was possible to remove rust through electrolysis using washing soda (sodium carbonate) as the electrolyte. I've looked high and low here locally, and I've been unable to find the washing soda.
However, baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (one less sodium and one more hydrogen atom). I know this is not the same thing, and that this kind of difference is a substantial one, however: I saw "on the internet" somewhere that it is possible to substitute baking soda, if you first put it in a pan and heat it, "letting off water and carbon dioxide"; while I believe this chemical alteration is incorrect, my high school chemistry isn't terribly good; can anyone verify this would still 'balance'?
If this process isn't the same, is there any reason why using baking soda/sodium bicarbonate will not work for rust removal in this fashion? Is there a specific reason why electrolytic rust removal requires washing soda for electrolyte, and can't use something else?
(FWIW, I'm trying to remove rust and blue from some gun parts, but want to take off as little metal as possible in the process - and haven't access to sand/media blasting.)
Many thanks.
However, baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (one less sodium and one more hydrogen atom). I know this is not the same thing, and that this kind of difference is a substantial one, however: I saw "on the internet" somewhere that it is possible to substitute baking soda, if you first put it in a pan and heat it, "letting off water and carbon dioxide"; while I believe this chemical alteration is incorrect, my high school chemistry isn't terribly good; can anyone verify this would still 'balance'?
If this process isn't the same, is there any reason why using baking soda/sodium bicarbonate will not work for rust removal in this fashion? Is there a specific reason why electrolytic rust removal requires washing soda for electrolyte, and can't use something else?
(FWIW, I'm trying to remove rust and blue from some gun parts, but want to take off as little metal as possible in the process - and haven't access to sand/media blasting.)
Many thanks.