PROPERTIES OF ALUMINUM

Background

Physically, chemically and mechanically aluminium is a metal like steel, brass, copper, zinc, lead or
titanium. It can be melted, cast, formed and machined much like these metals and it conducts electric
current. In fact often the same equipment and fabrication methods are used as for steel.

Light Weight

Aluminium is a very light metal with a specific weight of 2.7 g/cm3, about a third that of steel. For
example, the use of aluminium in vehicles reduces dead-weight and energy consumption while
increasing load capacity. Its strength can be adapted to the application required by modifying the
composition of its alloys.

Corrosion Resistance

Aluminium naturally generates a protective oxide coating and is highly corrosion resistant. Different
types of surface treatment such as anodising, painting or lacquering can further improve this property. It
is particularly useful for applications where protection and conservation are required.

Electrical and Thermal Conductivity

Aluminium is an excellent heat and electricity conductor and in relation to its weight is almost twice as
good a conductor as copper. This has made aluminium the most commonly used material in major power
transmission lines.

Reflectivity

Aluminium is a good reflector of visible light as well as heat, and that together with its low weight, makes
it an ideal material for reflectors in, for example, light fittings or rescue blankets.

Ductility

Aluminium is ductile and has a low melting point and density. In a molten condition it can be processed
in a number of ways. Its ductility allows products of aluminium to be basically formed close to the end of
the product’s design.

TESTING OF ALUMINUM

ASTM B769 – SHEAR TESTING OF ALUMINUM ALLOYS

ASTM B769 testing covers double-shear testing of wrought and cast aluminum products to determine
shear ultimate strengths. A cylindrical test specimen is subjected to double-shear loading in a test jig
using a tensile or compressive test machine in order to determine the shear stress required to fracture
the specimen.
ASTM B646 – FRACTURE TOUGHNESS TESTING OF ALUMINUM ALLOYS

ASTM B646 testing is used to maintain uniformity in practices for the evaluation of the toughness of
aluminum alloys. Fracture toughness is a key material property for many aluminum alloys being used in
aerospace and process industries. The results from this method can be used with regard to supplier
qualification, quality assurance and material release to specifications.

ASTM B557 – ALUMINUM MAGNESIUM TESTING

ASTM B557 tension test of cast aluminum magnesium test methods cover the tension testing of wrought
and cast aluminum - and magnesium-alloy products, except aluminum foil, and are derived from test
methods ASTM E8, which cover the tension testing of all metallic materials. ASTM B557 provides
information on the strength and ductility of materials under uniaxial tensile stresses. A tensile test yields
a tensile load, which is then calculated to an ultimate tensile strength. Ultimate Tensile Strength is the
maximum tensile stress a material can sustain without fracture.

*ADDITIONAL WELDING

Aluminum welding typically creates a softened region in the weld metal and heat affected zone.
Additional heat treatments may be needed to obtain an acceptable material for an application.[4]
Industrial welding is also commonly found in joining aluminum: friction stir welding, laser welding, and
ultrasonic welding are some of the many processes used.

*ADDITIONAL CORROSION

Corrosion is a broad reference to the wearing away of metal caused by a chemical reaction. Rust is a type
of corrosion referring specifically to the oxidation of iron or steel caused by interaction with water or
moisture.

Aluminum doesn’t contain iron or steel so it doesn’t rust – but it is prone to corrosion when exposed to
weathering and atmospheric oxygen. The process of aluminum corrosion is known as oxidation. The
resulting aluminum oxide is a thin, hard layer that actually protects the metal from further corrosion.

Aluminum oxide appears as a powdery white or dull gray coating. As oxidation occurs, it hardens and
creates a protective layer over the newly exposed areas of corroded aluminum.

FORMS OF CORROSION OF ALUMINUM:

1. Atmospheric Corrosion

- corrosion or degradation of material exposed to the air and its pollutants rather than immersed in a
liquid
- corrosivity of the atmosphere to metals varies greatly from one geographic location to another,
depending on such weather factors as wind direction, precipitation and temperature changes, amount
and type of urban and industrial pollutants, and proximity to natural bodies of water

2. Uniform Corrosion

- occurs in the solutions where pH is either very high or very low, or at high potentials in electrolytes with
high chloride concentrations

- in acidic (low pH) or alkaline (high pH) solutions, the aluminum oxide is unstable and thus non-
protective.

3. Galvanic Corrosion

- also known as dissimilar metal corrosion

- it creates the largest number of corrosion problems for aluminum alloys

- occurs when aluminum is electrically connected to a more noble metal, and both are in contact with
the same electrolyte