Corrosion of Aluminum, Aluminum Alloys, and Composites

Aluminum is highly resistant to most natural environments due to its ability to develop oxide films with excellent adhesion, continuity and corrosion resistance. However, in acidic and alkaline media or under certain conditions different corrosion processes can arise, being pitting the most relevant. On the other hand, although aluminum alloys and aluminum metal matrix composites can improve the physical/mechanical properties, the presence of alloying elements and reinforcements can also increase the susceptibility to the more severe forms of localized corrosion: intergranular, exfoliation and stress corrosion cracking. The corrosion behavior of aluminum, aluminum alloys and aluminum metal matrix composites is summarized.