Does Aluminium Rust?

In short, aluminium will not rust, but it can potentially corrode. You might be asking this question if the aluminium products you’ve purchased will be durable and reliable in the long run. While aluminium is incredibly superior in its durability and its corrosive resistance, materials can eventually become damaged, and wear down through natural causes, poor care and maintenance. 

Below we explain the difference between rust and corrosion, and the best ways to look after your products to prevent aluminium corroding:

Rust vs Corrosion

Rust happens on metals such as iron and steel, but due to aluminium’s properties, it does not rust. This vital metal, which is the third most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, can become corroded when it comes into contact with water and oxygen, making your aluminium products unstable and unsafe.

There are several other different types of environmental and elemental factors that can cause the corrosion of aluminium. These include:

• Atmospheric Corrosion – This is the most common form of aluminium corrosion. Atmospheric corrosion depends on the exposure to natural elements, such as environments that are wet, dry, damp, hot or cold. This leaves surfaces with the peeling rusty look.
• Galvanic Corrosion – This type of corrosion happens when aluminium is in physical contact with a noble metal. A noble metal is any metal that has a lesser electrochemical reactivity, compared to aluminium. When this occurs, the surface will portray a bleeding effect.
• Pitting Corrosion – This type of corrosion does not affect the strength of the aluminium, rather the aesthetic appearance. It occurs when there is a high presence of salt in the atmosphere, creating small holes, or pits, on the surface.
• Erosion Corrosion – This is perhaps one of the most important forms of corrosion, as it can happen when cleaning aluminium products with a high powered or high speed water jet on the surface of the product. It is very important that this is one of the ways you DO NOT clean your aluminium products. When pressure is applied, chunks can be broken off causing significant damage.

How To Prevent Corrosion

There are many ways to prevent the corrosion of aluminium. The last thing you want is for your aluminium sheets, or aluminium mouldings to become corroded or unsafe for use, so it is worth taking some steps to ensure they stay corrosion-free.

The best way to prevent corrosion is to know the best way to clean aluminium. Aluminium can be cleaned in very cost-effective ways that can ensure this versatile material doesn’t become damaged.

Things to avoid when cleaning aluminium:

• Avoid power washing – Avoid high-pressure washing equipment as this can cause scratches, dents, and other imperfections on the aluminium surface.
• Avoid using bleach – Bleach can eventually leave aluminium looking dull, without its unique shine.
• Avoid harsh cleaning materials – Sharp, harsh, or rough cleaning materials, such as brushes or scourers, can cause unsightly scratches and expose the material.
• Avoid alkaline cleaners – Alkaline cleaners such as ammonia can damage aluminium surfaces, leading to discolouration.

Other ways to prevent corrosion include:

• Aluminium anodising – this involves thickening the natural oxide layer that already exists on aluminium to create a more durable surface.
• Powder coating – adds a protective barrier in a diverse range of colours.
• Avoid galvanic corrosion – don’t allow aluminium to come into contact with other metals such as steel and copper through using insulating gaskets and coatings. 
• Use quality aluminium – use corrosion-resistant aluminium alloys, such as 5xxx and 6xxx series.
• Reduce chemical exposure – minimise contact with chemicals, salt water, acidic or alkaline substances.

Quality Aluminium and Protection with Aluminium Online

Here at Aluminium Online we ensure the best quality in our products and ways to prevent damage and corrosion for the future.

The most cost-effective way of preventing corrosion of any aluminium products in the long-term is by applying a coating or paint to protect the aluminium products. Powder coating can act as a barrier and also gives the aluminium product an aesthetically pleasing finish.

This powder-based coating is electrically charged, and heat-treated to harden, showcasing a smooth, colourful finish. This powder coating can be applied to almost all products, but the most beneficial products include car parts, furniture, and flat bars. The coating can reduce damage such as fading, chipping, and scratching. It is long lasting, and very durable, perfect for long-term maintenance.

To learn more about our products and aluminium maintenance, as well as treatments to prevent corrosion, or for any form of assistance with purchasing, please get in touch.