The excellent resistance of aluminum alloys to atmospheric weathering is well known and has been used to advantage for many years in architectural applications and general metal work. Because of this characteristic, considerable interest has been shown in aluminum alloys for plants and industrial buildings where the atmosphere is contaminated by fumes and chemicals that promote the corrosion of many metals and alloys.
Of the many factors connected with atmospheric corrosion problems in chemical plants, refineries and other industries those encountered most often are combinations of hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, moisture and dirt. In general, it has been found that aluminum alloys are resistant to atmospheres containing these contaminants. In addition, the problem in most plants is further aggravated by the formation of dust and/or fumes. An active laboratory as well as field testing program is continuing to demonstrate that aluminum alloys of the type used for architectural applications are very resistant to corrosion by a wide variety of organic and inorganic chemicals.
The use of aluminum-base alloys in the coke, soda ash, sulfur, power, paper, salt, petroleum and petrochemical industries has reduced corrosion losses with resultant savings in maintenance costs. Some of the applications where aluminum alloys have proved successful are tank roofs, siding, roofing, windows, duct work, ladders, handrails, instrument tubing and tread plate.
