Hello,
I know that copper roofing goes green with verdigris, and I'm assuming that it's the same substance that appeared on some wiring in my old car, but is this actially corrosion, or just like an oxide coating similar to the way aluminium oxidises and forms a protective cover? Do verdigris roofs need replacing every so often?
I am really not good with chemistry, so please forgive the next question if it is stupid.
I saw a video recently (I think it was that Ed fella who makes odd cars) who dunked the ends of some green copper auto-wiring into a solution of vinegar and salt to clean the wires back to a useable state.
My question is what does the salt do? Would it not be the vinegar that is doing the work of cleaning the copper? I have read conflicting reports on the web which have left me uninformed, if not worse.
Any education gratefully received!
Thanks.