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Aluminum corrodes but it doesnotrust. Rust refers only to iron and steelcorrosion.Aluminum is actually very prone to corrosion.However,aluminum corrosion is aluminum oxide, a veryhardmaterial that actually protects the aluminum fromfurthercorrosion.
Similarly, will bare aluminum rust?
Aluminum doesn't contain iron or steel soitdoesn't rust – but it is prone tocorrosionwhen exposed to weathering and atmospheric oxygen.The resultingaluminum oxide is a thin, hard layer thatactually protectsthe metal from further corrosion.Aluminum oxideappears as a powdery white or dull graycoating.
- Scrub away any rust on the surface of the aluminum with asteelwool pad.
- Apply a rust remover to the aluminum using a steelwoolpad.
- Leave the rust remover on the aluminum for five to10minutes.
- Wipe the rust remover off with rags or paper towels.
- Paint on a rust-proof primer for metals with a paintbrush.
Then, what causes aluminum to rust?
Aluminum and Corrosion: What YouShouldKnow Aluminum is rust resistant, meaningitdoesn't degrade due to oxidation caused by iron andoxygen.Rust only occurs in iron and other metals thatcontain iron.Steel, for example, is susceptible to rustbecause itcontains iron.
Erosion-corrosion of aluminum is veryslowin pure water, but is accelerated at pH > 9,especiallywith high carbonate and high silica content of thewater.Aluminum is very stable is neutralwater; however itwill corrode in either acidic oralkalinewaters.