Does aluminum corrode?
Yes, but unlike say, steel which rusts to red oxide, the corrosion product ( Aluminum oxide) is not only a very hard impermeable substance but also one which adheres very tightly to the Aluminum surface. This provides a “self healing” protective coating which , after the initial exposure to air / moisture will protect the surface from further attack. Of course in the presence of more aggressive agents such as Alkalies excessive moisture or other metals which promote galvanic corrosion such as Copper the surface is prone to various forms of corrosion such as ‘Pitting ‘ or ‘White staining’ which occur to various degrees depending on the alloy selected, the conditions and a number of other factors. Consult with one of UA’s Metallurgical staff for specific case details.
