Soldering iron, solder, flux
When circuit boards are assembled, the parts are soldered on. In order for the solder to make a good connection to the parts and to the board, a substance called flux is mixed into the solder. It removes oxidation and cleans up the surfaces of the different parts so that the solder can stick to them. After the board is assembled, there is still flux on the board. Flux remover dissolves the flux and washes it away.
Plumbers use flux to help clean and prepare surfaces for soldering. Flux removes oxidation and contaminants from the surface, allowing for a stronger bond between the pipes and solder. Additionally, flux helps the solder flow evenly and smoothly, ensuring a proper seal.
Flux is used to keep metals from oxidizing. Solder will not bond well with copper-oxides which are formed when copper is exposed to high temperatures (ie a soldering iron) the flux prevents the oxidation. If you were to solder without flux the solder joint would be weak and possibly completely nonconductive.
The majority of boat props are aluminum. You can't solder it, it has to be welded or heli arced.
flux acts as a wetting agent in the soldering process, reducing the surface tension of the molten solder and causing it to better wet out the parts to be joined.
Yes, flux is a material commonly used in soldering to clean and prepare the metal surfaces being joined. It helps remove any oxide layers, promotes better wetting of the solder to the surface, and enhances the overall soldering process by ensuring a strong bond between the materials.
Solder comes in 2 basic varieties, solid and rosin-core. Simple rosin-core solder is a tube of low-melting-point metal with flux filling the single core down the center. Multicore solder has multiple hollows in it, each filled with flux.
Flux is used to help solder stick to metal by promoting adhesion and reducing oxidation on the metal surface. It helps clean the surface, create a strong bond, and improve the flow of the solder.
Solder has an expiration date because of the flux content. It does not go bad-per say, but the flux will dissipate out of the solder after a while. It's still useable, but the flux content may be slightly diminished. Also, over time the solder oxidizes. For home or hobby use, it's fine. But in a manufacturing atmosphere, you need to be prepared to throw some away every year.
To remove solder flux stains from clothing, wipe off any excess of flux from the clothing with a piece of paper towel. Mix 1 tbsp. of baking soda with enough warm water to make a paste. Apply the baking soda paste to the flux using an old toothbrush. The baking soda will act as a neutralizing agent. Wipe away the baking soda and the dissolved flux from the clothing with a damp cloth, then let it air dry thoroughly.
Copper colored solder can be found at http://www.beadmeus.com/coppercolorsolder.aspx the flux is included in the soldering rod.