MCP: Meteorite Corrosion Protection
Corrosion and Iron Meteorites = RUST
"NANTAN" is synonymous with rust, corrosion and a deteriorating meteorite. It has earned a very bad reputation as an "instant ruster" with little hope for a cure. No serious collector wants to own a constantly deteriorating specimen.
The list of other rustin irons is well known. Now there is a solution to this age old problem. A new technology prevents ionic vapor phase corrosion by providing a monomolecular protective film layer bonded to the meteorite surface. When you stop vapor moisture transmission to a substrate, you stop its ability to corrode.
From the Paleo Bond research laboratory at Uncommon Conglomerates Inc., comes a technology developed with rusting meteorites in mind. Working in cooperation with Cortec® Corporation, which developed anti-corrosion systems for the military, we are able to stop cold the corrosion of the iron meteorites in your collection.
A "Getting Started Kit" is available that will permit you to de-rust an iron meteorite in your own shop. After de-rusting, coat it to prevent corrosion. If you should chose not to coat your specimen, we have emitters that will stop rust in your display cases.
Special note: If you purchased a meteorite coated with an unidentified clear coat and rust is observed, chances are it is rusting under the coating. You will have to remove the coating chemically to get at the rust. Vapor moisture tranmission through poorly formulated coatings means RUST.
SAFETY FIRST: We recommend using safe practices when handling kit materials. Use plastic Nitril gloves, safety glasses, plastic apron, paper towels, polyethylene table cover and utensils.
DETAILED PROCESS FOR RUST REMOVAL & PRESERVATION
THE METEORITE SPECIMEN: A sliced individual specimen is relatively easy to work on, depending of course on the size. Small pieces can be dipped and scrubbed of their oxidation using a plastic cake tray. BIG slices are a different matter; prepare them one side at a time and stick with the project until both sides are completed. Cover your work table with polyethylene plastic sheet. Cut three small wood blocks to act as a platform for your specimen. Clean the backside first (usually the unsanded side with saw marks visible) If you treat big slices one side at a time a better overall final result is achieved.
STEP #1 - RUST REMOVAL WITH VCI 426 ACIDS (LIQUID AND GEL)
Start with an examination of the specimen. If it has rust that measurably sits on top of the surface, take a sharp putty knife and scrape the rust aside. Next, apply the VCI-426 Liquid Acid with a brush. Let it work until you are satisfied the rust is gone (20 minutes +). Where the rust is deep, use the VCI-426 Gel Acid. It has a slow rate of evaporation allowing the acid to penetrate deep into the rust. Use the stiff nylon brush in your kit to scrub the rusted spots. If you have a deep pit of rust, use an air abrade tool to get down to the un-rusted base surface. Flush with acid again.
STEP #2 - WASH OFF THE ACIDS WITH WATER
Use bottled water without chlorine. We discovered that using nuetralizer immediately after the acid cleaning left a slight white residue. Washing first eliminated this.
STEP #3 - NEUGTRALIZE ACID WITH VCI 416
This step does several things; first, it neutralized the acid on or in your meteorite. It also allows you to take a break in your processing. The VpCi additive in the neutralizer stops any corrosion for a couple of months. You don't have to rush to the next processes.
STEP #4 - DRYING
My earlier concept of drying was faulty. If your meteorite holds any moisture; baking it only makes the water hot and does little to dry it unless it is a small slice. BIG meteorites require a vacuum treatment. You will need a vacuum pump down to 29" Hg.
STEP #5 - COATING WITH VCI 286 AEROSOL SPRAY CLEAR COAT
This final coating will build a monomolecular protective barrier that prevents any vapor moisture transmission into the meteorite surface. The all-important VpCI / MCI chemistries provide the needed protection that prevents further galvanic corrosion action.
METEORITE SLAB FINISHING
Preparing a surface for etching is simple if you go through a sequence of abrasives, 280-400-600 grit. Guidance details upon request. ETCHING with either Nitol solution of Ferric Chloride should be done between steps #2 and #3. Again, help is available.
VCI-M435: A new product for preventing rust during cutting, grinding or sanding operations. It will keep laps from rusting and your meteorite from rusting while in the processing sequence over a period of weeks and months. Add to cutting fluids and coolants. VCI-M435 will be your new best friend.
