Aluminium Corrosion: Types, Pitting & Protection

Aluminium Corrosion: Types, Pitting & Protection

Short answer: Aluminium forms a self-healing oxide film that gives good general corrosion resistance, but it is vulnerable to pitting in chlorides, galvanic attack with noble metals and crevice attack; protection comes from anodising, cladding, insulation and alloy selection.

At a Glance

Aluminium Corrosion: Types, Pitting & Protection chart
Figure 1 – Aluminium Corrosion: Types, Pitting & Protection overview.

The Oxide Advantage

A thin Al2O3 film reforms instantly in air, giving aluminium good atmospheric and fresh-water resistance — context in Anodized Aluminum Guide and the Aluminum Alloy Series Guide. Alloy behaviour spans 5052 Vs 6061 Aluminum, 3003 Vs 5052 Aluminum, Aluminum 5052 Properties, 5083 Aluminum Properties dan Aluminum 6061 Properties.

Where Aluminium Fails

Chlorides (seawater, de-icing salt) punch through the film as pits; coupling to steel or copper drives Galvanic Corrosion Guide; stagnant crevices localise attack. Marine duty is covered in Seawater Corrosion Guide dan Metal Corrosion Inhibitor Guide.

Protecting Aluminium

Anodise or clad (Alclad), insulate dissimilar joints, choose the right temper, and keep it clean; tie to How To Prevent Metal Rust and document per Mill Test Certificate Guide. HXSCO supplies corrosion-selected aluminium with finish options.

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Pertanyaan yang Sering Diajukan

Why is aluminium corrosion resistant?

A self-healing Al2O3 oxide film forms instantly in air and blocks further attack.

Why does aluminium pit in seawater?

Chloride ions break the passive film locally and the spot corrodes faster than the surrounding surface.

How do you stop aluminium galvanic corrosion?

Insulate it from noble metals (steel, copper) and avoid conductive bridging.

What is Alclad aluminium?

Aluminium clad with a pure-aluminium layer that sacrifices itself to protect the core from corrosion.

Do you supply corrosion-selected aluminium?

HXSCO supplies 5052, 5083, 6061 and clad aluminium with anodising options for your service.

Source Corrosion-Selected Aluminium from HXSCO

HXSCO supplies 5052, 5083, 6061 and Alclad aluminium with anodising for corrosive service. Send your alloy and quantity for a quote.

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