Almost every material is prone to corrosion if exposed to sufficiently reactive conditions. This includes aluminium, which encounters electrochemical metal degradation and forms a protective self-healing layer of aluminium oxide.
However, this protective layer can be damaged by factors including galvanic corrosion (when in contact with other metals), very low or very high pH levels or in the presence of environmental pollutants.
Aluminium Corrosion Prevention
Aluminium corrosion can be prevented in a number of ways, including:
- Coatings: Protective coatings include paints, lacquers and the application of sealants.
- Anodising: Anodising creates a thicker, more durable oxide layer on the surface of the aluminium.
- Alloy Selection: Select the correct aluminium alloy for the intended application and environment.
- Avoid Contact with Other Metals: Avoid direct contact between aluminium and other metals to prevent incidents of galvanic corrosion.
- Control the Environment: Avoid extreme pH levels, including wet concrete and other highly acidic or alkaline substances.
- Use Inhibitors: Corrosion inhibitors can help in challenging environments, such as by the sea or in aerospace applications. TWI provides expertise in materials and corrosion management for a range of industries, to find out more about TWI’s corrosion testing services, please see here: https://www.twi-global.com/what-we-do/research-and-technology/technologies/materials-and-corrosion-management/corrosion-testing
