Subject	Aluminum doesn't oxidize like steel does; it protects itself
Posted by	BobbyT on October 05, 2009 at 4:02 PM
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In Reply To	Is plenum painted from factory or left natural? posted by fldc on October 05, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Message	Instead of an invasive rust, aluminum just oxidizes a thin layer at the surface that seals the rest from further oxidation. If you scratch through that surface to expose pure aluminum, it'll oxidize another thin layer and "heal" itself. It also doesn't discolor like rust. Anything you're looking at that you think is aluminum is really aluminum oxide unless you've just scratched it or broken it to expose fresh metal.
Follow Ups	Is plenum painted from factory or left natural? - fldc 07:46:06 10/05/09 raw aluminum, yes w/ good results (n/m) - zgene4 07:58:11 10/05/09 Aluminum doesn't oxidize like steel does; it protects itself - BobbyT 16:02:18 10/05/09 Still oxidation w discoloration, no? - fldc 16:30:04 10/05/09
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