What corrodes baling wire?

Corrosion is a process through which refined metals break down into more chemically stable forms. As a refined metal, baling wire is susceptible to rust and corrosion. The four primary factors that cause and accelerate corrosion are:

1. Oxidation. Metals corrode when they chemically react with oxygen, losing electrons and forming oxides such as rust.
2. Electrolytes. Corrosive electrolytes such as water or salt solutions transport ions that accelerate rust and corrosion.
3. Environment. Temperature, stress, and humidity affect corrosion rates.
4. Chemical exposure. Harsh chemicals react with and break down baling wire and any protective coating leaving the wire vulnerable to corrosive attacks.

Proper baling wire storage and a thicker, Class 3 galvanized coating are the two best ways to slow corrosion and improve baling wire longevity. Let’s take a closer look at the causes and ways to prevent baling wire corrosion.

Oxidation

Oxidation is the primary mechanism of baling wire corrosion. When exposed to oxygen, steel chemically reacts, losing electrons and forming oxides such as rust. This process gradually weakens the baling wire's strength and compromises its structural integrity.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes accelerate corrosion. Corrosive substances, such as water or salt, act as a transport medium for ions, facilitating the movement of electrons and intensifying the rusting process. Saltwater is especially corrosive since it creates a highly conductive environment.

Environment

Environmental factors also influence corrosion rates. Temperature, stress, and humidity accelerates or decelerates the deterioration process. High temperatures and humid conditions promote corrosion, while mechanical stress of temperature fluctuations cracks the wire or its protective coating, exposing the underlying metal to the elements.

Chemical exposure

Harsh chemicals, such as acids and chlorides, react with and break down baling wire, including galvanized or oil coatings, leaving the steel wire vulnerable to corrosive attacks.

How to prevent baling wire corrosion

Oxidation is a natural process that is impossible to prevent indefinitely, but there are several ways to dramatically slow the process and extend the shelf life of baling wire.

Proper storage

Proper baling wire storage techniques slow corrosion and improve shelf life. The best ways to store baling wire include the following:

• Store baling wire in a cool, dry area. When baling wire is stored in areas with high humidity, moisture penetrates the wire's surface. To slow oxidation, designate a cool storage area with low humidity, such as an indoor room or shelf with proper ventilation.
• Keep wire away from direct sunlight. The sun’s heat causes the wire to expand and contract, leading to weakening, deformation, and opening up more surface area for oxidation. Store baling wire in an area away from direct sunlight, such as a windowless supply room, or a warehouse corner that is usually shadowed.
• Keep wire off of the ground. Wire stored directly on the ground is susceptible to moisture damage, rust, and contamination. Dirt, debris, and chemicals on the ground can also abrade the wire and accelerate corrosion. Store baling wire on racks, shelves, or pallets that keep it off the ground.
• Maintain a clean environment. Contaminants cause abrasion or chemical corrosion. A dirty storage environment also attracts pests and rodents, which further damage and pollute the wire. A clean storage area prevents wire contamination from dirt, debris, and other substances.

Use black annealed wire

Black annealed wire offers moderate, short-term corrosion resistance. The annealing process is a heat treatment process that improves wire’s microstructure, resulting in a thin oxide layer that resists corrosion. Our annealed wire is also finished with an extra layer of wax that prevents oxidation.

Annealed wire is useful for moderate exposure to corrosive elements and short-term storage requirements.

Use galvanized steel wire

Use galvanized wire for applications that involve weather, chemical, water, or heat exposure. While galvanized steel wire is more expensive than other types of wire, it is the best choice for outdoor or prolonged storage.

Galvanization coats the steel wire in a layer of zinc, providing superior corrosion resistance than non-galvanized wires. While galvanized wire will eventually rust, its protective zinc coating acts as a barrier against moisture and oxygen, significantly improving its lifespan.

Different classes of galvanization exist to provide tailored protection against corrosion. We offer Class 1 and Class 3 galvanization:

• Class 1 galvanized wire features a thinner zinc coating of 0.28 ounces per square foot and provides basic protection. It tends to rust after 2–12 years depending on the environmental conditions. In coastal areas, Class 1 coating fails sooner due to the presence of salt. It is often used for barbed wire fencing.
• Class 3 galvanized wire provides a premium zinc coating (roughly three times as thick as Class 1) that uses 0.80 ounces of zinc per square foot. This wire coating offers a higher degree of cathodic protection, providing a lifespan of 13–30 years. Class 3 galvanized wire is more expensive up front, but it is long-lasting. Class 3 galvanization is our most rust-resistant wire coating, the ideal choice for harsh environments.

We carry galvanized single and double loop bale ties, stem wire, and high-tensile wire to take on the toughest baling and farm applications.