Aluminum Corrosion Protection

The Earth's shell comprises of various elements, among which aluminum is a very familiar metal. The aluminum is used in manufacturing different kind of products. It can be found in nuts, bolts, conductors to airplanes. It is one of the most chosen metal as it is light weighted, it can resistrust, is quite suppleand also perfectly strong. Other than these it is a better conductor of electricity and is also cheaper. Due to all these factors, aluminum is one of the most used metals (non-ferrous) of today's technology. Aluminum is mostly preferred in its alloyed form rather than its pure form. But just like any of the metal, it also needs safety measures for protection against corrosion. Corrosion means deterioration of any kind of metal, which is generated chemically and which is sourced through numerous elements of nature.

What is Aluminum Corrosion?

Aluminum in its crude form possesses reasonably superior resistance against corrosion in nearly every standard atmosphere due to its stable oxide layer. Still then, corrosion of different kinds occurs on the surfaces of aluminum irrespective of industrial, rural, or urban atmosphere. Aluminum oxide is formed in aluminum, acts as a supportive and resistive layer which protects the aluminum from further oxidation. The alloys of aluminum have greater corrosion resisting properties. Even then this metal is very much prone to chemical reaction. In different complex situation aluminum undergoes chemical corrosion, crevice corrosion and pitting corrosion. When the alloys of aluminum comprises of certain kinds of metals it becomes more defenseless to an assault of corrosion.

4 ways on how to prevent aluminum corrosion

If proper preventive measures are not initiated, aluminum can also be the target of corrosion which would further result in its destruction. Giving appropriate corrosion protection treatment is the main aspect that can raise the life expectancy of aluminum. Aluminum is a widespread metal that is used for making a range of products. It is time and again chosen above other metals foritscapacity to resist rust, ductility, blend of potency and low weight. Whenever investment is made in an aluminum product, adequate precautions must be taken for preventing it from getting corroded.

1. Paint Coating : Aluminum gets defense from corrosion if a coating of paint, which acts as a surface layer, is put over. The surface layer acts as a barrier for corrosion which can be easily applied besides being cheaper. On many instances the zinc-chromate primer is used which serves the purpose of a base, upon which subsequent coating of paint is applied. But prior to the application of primer the product or part is to be cleaned with grease or other similar residues.

2. Alodine Treatment : It is a type of chemical treatment, electrically conductive, which acts as primer. The aluminum which gets treated doesn't gain any weight or doesn't transform in size. While carrying out this method it is necessary to maintain the temperature at more than 70 degree Fahrenheit or 21° C. The Alodine Treatment is easy to perform and doesn't require electricity to carry out the process. The parts to be treated are to be cleaned so that substances are removed from the surface. Grease or sticky substances has to be removed properly. Here a superior dishwashing detergent can be used which helps to get rid of oxide layer. The aluminum part is then dried suitably and immersed in acid. The acid is then rinsed with clean water. Lastly, after completely dried it is then dipped in Alodine.

3. Anodizing : This is an electrolytic process which solidifies and toughens the layers of oxide and thus enhances resistance of wear and tear. It further improves the surface so that paint can stick on. It involves electrolytic solutions and the use of direct current. This corrosion protection treatment for aluminum is done by dipping it in electrolyte acid bath. In this process electricity is passed through the medium. The diverse aspects of electrolytic bath, such as amperage, temperature, and time, influence how dense the layer of oxide would be. During this treatment, ions of oxygen are discharged from the electrolyte to merge with the atoms of aluminum. Aluminum is perfectly right for anodizing.

4. Oil Coating : Many aluminum products or parts are treated with solutions based on oil. These oils can be synthetic or mineral with compounds of wax. This solution can be sprayed and sometimes the products or parts are immersed in it. But such solutions are applied repeatedly after a certain period according to the environment. Sometimes packaging is also required for longer protection from corrosion, mainly in sea shipment.

Read Also : Corrosion Protection in enclosed chamber

Preventive Measures for how to stop aluminum corrosion

After corrosion aluminum loses its strength and durability. Corrosion devours the object slowly but for an aluminum product to be devoured by corrosion, might take quite a few years. It doesn't occur with a swift course of action. Corrosion can lead to big gaps and fissures in the products of aluminum if it gets a sufficient amount time. Because of such consequences it is very necessary to shield aluminum from the state of corrosion.

In order to do so, aluminum must be stored or stocked in such an environment which is weatherproof. Corrosion mostly occurs due to the various atmospheric elements like moisture, dirt, salts etc. which activates a chemical effect. Therefore, storing of aluminum products and parts in a place which is climate controlled or weather-proof can shield it from exposing to the causes of rust.

To prevent aluminum from getting corroded clear coating is another option. Through this process the aluminum's surface is given a layer of protection. This unable to be seen layer of clear coat guards the aluminum from the surrounding atmosphere. After the application of this option the product or part of aluminum doesn't gets exposed to corrosive environment.

Getting Rid of Corrosion

Just like the methods for preventing corrosion there does exist many techniques to secure corroded aluminum. To stabilize corroded aluminum, there is an easy practice of washing the aluminum and its alloys. For such washing, ammonium sulphate is used with de-ionized water which efficiently gets rid of corrosion or the corrosive elements. It also helps in getting rid of the destructive chloride ions from the object's surface. This is an effective action which can be used to secure aluminum-based product, even after many years of exposure to corrosion.

Aluminum corrosion can be recognized by surface roughness and the pitting of the metal. Corrosion on aluminumis uncomplicated to spotas it rises in volume upon the aluminum's surface. While getting rid of corrosion from aluminum caution is to be paid to avert any stains on the surface.

Conclusion
But, even after all the prevalent methods and stringent measures being executed chances are there that corrosion might find a small gap to get in and create destruction. That is why it is always said "Prevention is better than Cure."