Q&A for How to Make Iron Oxide

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Can I use brillo pads instead of steel wool?

Bess Ruff, MA
Environmental Scientist
Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group.

Bess Ruff, MA

Environmental Scientist

Expert Answer

Brillo pads are steel wool impregnated with soap so it will make it more difficult for the desired reaction.

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Question

Will it really ignite?

Community Answer

No, not without a component to receive the oxygen. If powdered aluminum is added, then it will create a redox reaction, releasing lots of heat.

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I am trying to make ferrofluid and was told to mix vegetable oil with iron oxide. Will this work?

Community Answer

This would work, although true ferrofluid is not just iron oxide and vegetable oil.

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Question

Can I use iron mesh for this reaction?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

What does the product of the reaction look like?

Community Answer

Black or brown powder/paste before it is cooked, and after it is cooked it will be rust red.

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I am trying to use electrolysis to make red iron oxide, but it comes out brown to black. What should I do?

Community Answer

That is hydrated iron oxide. To dehydrate it, just heat it in an oven until it becomes red.

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