How long will aluminum oxidize and corrode after use?
The main component of aluminum is aluminum and a small amount of alloy components. Some people think that aluminum is not easy to oxidize because there has been little change in color. In fact, aluminum is a very active metal, easier to oxidize than iron. The reason why it is not visible is because the aluminum oxide formed after oxidation is colorless and transparent. And this layer of oxide film isolates the internal aluminum and air contact, so it will not continue to oxidize, and thus protect the aluminum substrate. So aluminum is durable even without surface treatment.
But the oxide film is not invulnerable, aluminum oxide is active to acid and alkali, in the environment with corrosive air, the oxide film is easily destroyed, resulting in corrosion of the aluminum substrate, damage. If used outdoors, the sun’s exposure, and acidic rainwater will accelerate the corrosion of aluminum. So how long the aluminum profile will oxidize and corrode when used also depends on the environment and its surface treatment. The surface treatment of aluminum profiles includes anodic oxidation, electrophoresis, spraying, electroplating, etc. Anodic oxidation is an electrochemical method that form an artificial oxide film on the surface of aluminum profiles, which is much thicker than the naturally formed oxide film and it is resistant to corrosion even in the harsh outdoor environment, and the conservative service life can reach 25 years.
Post time: Aug-25-2022
